Damaged corpses can get 3D facelifts

The deceased victim of an accident whose face or head was disfigured can now appear perfect before the funeral through 3D printing technology - even if the skin and hair are severely damaged.

Shanghai Longhua Funeral Home in Shanghai, which claims to be first in the world to use the technology in such an application, began the service on Wednesday, five days ahead of Tomb Sweeping Day, when people traditionally pay their respects to the dead.

A professional beautician using conventional clay and wax methods may require a week to repair a face that was damaged in an accident, such as a fire, explosion or car accident.