A normal life lies ahead for a Chinese toddler who received a 3D skull titanium implant due to a birth defect.

Hanhan, a three-year-old girl, recently underwent a surgery at People's Hospital of Human Province, National Monitor reported. A team of doctors used a 3D data and computed tomography scanner in printing three pieces of titanium mesh to replace the whole top portion of the child's skull.

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The first phase of the surgery was to remove the girl's scalp from the head. Drainage tubes were next inserted to clear out the fluid from the brain and then the transplant.

She has a rare condition called congenital hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain. Since the fluid is not properly draining, it causes the grey matter to swell.

It pushes up the bone that surrounds the brain, resulting in more straining to the brain itself. Her head grew three times its normal size because of the fluid accumulation.

The continuous thinning and stretching of the brain can eventually lead to childhood development problems. A child can also develop intellect, vision and speech issues.

Hydrocephalus can lead to permanent brain damage. In fact, other kids become bedridden because they can no longer move.

Normally, the doctors will remove a part of the skull, drain the fluid and implant the skull bone back. However, the process takes a long period of time, according to Dr. Gregory Lakin, Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland.

This process is ideal though because there are fewer chances that the material will be rejected, and infection may develop. In Hanhan's case, the surgeons are concerned that her skull bone isn't strong enough to be used.

Given the circumstances, it was better to use the skull titanium implant. She has already reached three years old, and the implants will not be affected because her brain's almost stopped growing, according to ABC News.

The operation was successful and she is expected to recover soon, as per Empire State Tribune's news.

Lakin said that this operation gave the kid a chance to live and enjoy a normal life.

Tags3D Skull Implant, Chinese toddler, hydrocephalus, Operation