[Regenerative therapy approaches in plastic surgery]

The regeneration of tissue lost due to trauma or disease is considered as being ideal for reconstruction with respect to repair in which a donor defect arises in a different part of the body. Through a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of healing, possibilities for regenerative therapies have been developed in recent years.

To give an exemplary representation of current regenerative therapy approaches and their effect and clinical application.

The PubMed database was searched for different regenerative approaches in plastic surgery and various methods are presented in this article.

Cell-based approaches, in which autologous mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue are preferably used, led to excellent healing results with minimal donor site morbidity. Likewise, growth factor-based approaches or the use of platelet-rich plasma achieve very good results in the field of wound and bone healing.

By using different cells or molecules and thus taking advantage of biological mechanisms, the regenerative capabilities of adult organisms could be improved. Many methods have already been implemented in clinical practice, not only in reconstructive but also in aesthetic surgery. However, the success should not conceal the potential risk that is inherent in both cell and growth factor-based approaches. Until long-term experiences of such therapies have been acquired, they should be used cautiously.