Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Società italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia
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Skin substitutes are a growing market since technical advancements have allowed a substantial progress in treating extensive defects of the skin. A variety of skin substitutes with different properties and thus resulting different indications is offered on the market. Important benefits of skin substitutes are their ready availability in almost any quantity and the predictable product properties concerning implantation, incorporation, resorption and long-term outcome. ⋯ The latest advance are cultured autologous or allogenic substitutes some even in combination with alloplastic material. Besides of medical questions that arise from the use of these materials in reconstructive surgery legal and economic aspects have to be taken into account. This article is giving an overview over the most common skin substitutes and their use in dermatosurgery.