Surgisis acellular collagen matrix in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery soft tissue applications.

Tissue engineering in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery remains an elusive goal. The advent of Surgisis extracellular collagen matrix and its performance characteristics suggest that the use of a bioengineered tissue substitute can meet some of our reconstructive requirements. Incorporation and replacement by host tissue with minimal allergic or immune response seems to be achievable today. The ability to engineer the device, the ready availability of substrate, and its cost effectiveness support the use of Surgisis in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery applications. Future product innovations and engineering seem promising. The permanent role of Surgisis in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery will be determined by its documented long-term performance.