Update on new biomaterials and their use in reconstructive surgery

Craniofacial reconstruction may be limited by the paucity of autologous materials available and donor site morbidity. Recent advances in the development of biomaterials have given the reconstructive surgeon new options for restoring form and function. There are now biomaterials (second generation) that can elicit a controlled action and reaction to the surrounding tissue environment (bioactive), and those that can exhibit a controlled chemical breakdown and resorption, with ultimate replacement by regenerating tissue (resorbable). Third-generation biomaterials are being designed to stimulate regeneration of living tissues using tissue engineering and in situ tissue regeneration methods. These techniques will lead to limitless possibilities for tissue regeneration and repair. At present, biomaterials that may find future use in craniofacial reconstruction include newly developed bone and skin substitutes and soft-tissue fillers.