Regenerative Technologies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Regenerative Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 6925

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale-Phoenix, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Interests: reconstructive surgery; burns; facial injury; skin cancer

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Guest Editor
Department of Plastic-, Reconstructive- and Hand Surgery, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Interests: mesenchymal stem cells; fat grafting; regenerative surgery; extracellular matrix; hydrogel; plastic surgery

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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: dermatology; skin; atopic dermatitis; psoriasis; melanoma; non melanoma skin cancers; lasers; phototherapy; allergic contact dermatitis; acne vulgaris; cicatrix; rejuvenation
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Technological innovations in biotechnology and biomaterials have advanced rapidly over the years, which drive innovative solutions for tissue regeneration in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In recent years, regenerative technologies have emerged as a promising approach in the field, offering new possibilities for tissue repair, regeneration, and reconstruction.

Our journal is excited to announce a Special Issue dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in regenerative technologies in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Regenerative technologies offer a unique opportunity to harness the body's own regenerative capacity to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, providing more natural and sustainable solutions for patients. From stem cell therapy and tissue engineering to 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine, researchers and clinicians are exploring a wide range of regenerative approaches to address complex challenges in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This Special Issue will feature original research, review articles, and perspectives from leading experts in the field, covering a variety of topics related to regenerative technologies in plastic and reconstructive surgery. We encourage researchers, surgeons, and healthcare professionals to submit their work to this Special Issue. We look forward to exploring novel regenerative strategies and presenting groundbreaking advancements that have the potential to transform the current practices in the field.

Dr. Alanna M. Rebecca
Dr. Joris A. van Dongen
Dr. Steven Paul Nistico
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plastic surgery
  • reconstructive surgery
  • tissue engineering
  • burn reconstruction
  • biomaterials
  • 3D bioprinting
  • regenerative medicine

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6702 KiB  
Article
Advancing Soft Tissue Reconstruction with a Ready-to-Use Human Adipose Allograft
by Victor Fanniel, Ihab Atawneh, Jonathan Savoie, Michelle Izaguirre-Ramirez, Joanna Marquez, Christopher Khorsandi and Shauna Hill
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060612 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 830
Abstract
Soft tissue reconstruction remains a challenge in clinical practice, particularly for restoring substantial volume loss due to surgical resections or contour deformities. Current methods, such as autologous fat transplantation, have limitations, including donor site morbidity and insufficient tissue availability, necessitating an innovative approach. [...] Read more.
Soft tissue reconstruction remains a challenge in clinical practice, particularly for restoring substantial volume loss due to surgical resections or contour deformities. Current methods, such as autologous fat transplantation, have limitations, including donor site morbidity and insufficient tissue availability, necessitating an innovative approach. This study characterizes alloClae, a minimally manipulated human-derived adipose allograft prepared using a detergent-based protocol to reduce DNA content while preserving adipose tissue structure. Proteomic analysis revealed that alloClae retains key native proteins critical for graft integration with the host and stability, with key extracellular matrix (ECM) components, collagens, elastins, and laminin, which are more concentrated as a result of the detergent-based protocol. Biocompatibility of alloClae was assessed in vitro using cytotoxicity and cell viability assays in fibroblast cultures, revealing no adverse effects on cell viability, membrane integrity, or oxidative stress. Additionally, in vitro studies with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) demonstrated attachment and differentiation, with lipid droplet accumulation observed by day 14, indicating support for adipogenesis. A 6-month longitudinal study in athymic mice showed stable graft retention, host cell infiltration, and formation of new adipocytes and vasculature within alloClae by 3 months. The findings highlight alloClae’s ability to support host-driven adipogenesis and angiogenesis while maintaining graft stability throughout the study period. It presents a promising alternative to the existing graft materials, offering a clinically translatable solution for soft tissue reconstruction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Technologies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
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13 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Patient Benefits from the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap in Elderly Patients
by Hongmin Luo, Huining Bian, Zuan Liu, Chuanwei Sun, Hanhua Li, Lianghua Ma, Xiaoyan Wang, Zhifeng Huang, Xu Mu, Shenghua Chen, Yuyang Han, Lin Zhang, Shaoyi Zheng, Zeyang Yao and Wen Lai
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040394 - 7 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is widely recognized for its reliability and minimal donor site morbidity in reconstructive surgery. However, its safety and efficacy in elderly patients—a growing demographic with increased comorbidities—remain less understood. This study aims to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is widely recognized for its reliability and minimal donor site morbidity in reconstructive surgery. However, its safety and efficacy in elderly patients—a growing demographic with increased comorbidities—remain less understood. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the SCIP flap in elderly patients compared to younger patients, focusing on flap survival, complications, and recovery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, conducted at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, from 28 August 2019 to 7 June 2024, we included 37 patients who underwent SCIP flap procedures for reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups: younger (15–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years). Key variables analyzed included demographics, comorbidities, flap characteristics, recipient sites, arterial sources, and surgical outcomes. Univariate analysis and ROC curve analysis were used to explore the impact of age on flap survival and complications. Results: The cohort consisted of 28 younger and 9 elderly patients. Vascular disease was significantly more prevalent in the elderly group (88.9% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.001), and abnormalities in the CTA results indicate that the elderly cohort exhibited a 29-fold increased odds of vascular disease compared to younger patients (OR = 29.17, 95% CI: 4.82–176.40, p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of flap area, recipient sites, or arterial sources. Hospital stay duration and flap survival rates were comparable across both age groups, with no cases of total flap loss reported. While systemic complications were somewhat higher in the elderly group, this difference did not reach statistical significance. The ROC analysis (AUC = 0.52) indicates that age alone is not a significant predictor of flap survival. Conclusions: The SCIP flap is a safe and effective reconstructive option for elderly patients, despite a higher incidence of vascular disease. Flap survival and postoperative recovery were favorable, indicating that the procedure is viable for older patients. These findings support the continued use of SCIP flaps in aging populations, emphasizing the need for individualized surgical approaches to optimize patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Technologies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
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19 pages, 4062 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Effect of High Shear Stress on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using a Rotational Rheometer in a Small-Angle Cone–Plate Configuration
by Mario Mand, Olga Hahn, Juliane Meyer, Kirsten Peters and Hermann Seitz
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11101011 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Within the healthy human body, cells reside within the physiological environment of a tissue compound. Here, they are subject to constant low levels of mechanical stress that can influence the growth and differentiation of the cells. The liposuction of adipose tissue and the [...] Read more.
Within the healthy human body, cells reside within the physiological environment of a tissue compound. Here, they are subject to constant low levels of mechanical stress that can influence the growth and differentiation of the cells. The liposuction of adipose tissue and the subsequent isolation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), for example, are procedures that induce a high level of mechanical shear stress. As MSCs play a central role in tissue regeneration by migrating into regenerating areas and driving regeneration through proliferation and tissue-specific differentiation, they are increasingly used in therapeutic applications. Consequently, there is a strong interest in investigating the effects of shear stress on MSCs. In this study, we present a set-up for applying high shear rates to cells based on a rotational rheometer with a small-angle cone–plate configuration. This set-up was used to investigate the effect of various shear stresses on human adipose-derived MSCs in suspension. The results of the study show that the viability of the cells remained unaffected up to 18.38 Pa for an exposure time of 5 min. However, it was observed that intense shear stress damaged the cells, with longer treatment durations increasing the percentage of cell debris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Technologies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
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Review

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17 pages, 262 KiB  
Review
Microwave-Energy-Based Device for the Treatment of Cellulite and Localized Adiposity: Recommendations of the “Onda Coolwaves” International Advisory Board
by Klaus Hoffmann, Elena Zappia, Paolo Bonan, Federica Coli, Luigi Bennardo, Matteo Tretti Clementoni, Valerio Pedrelli, Domenico Piccolo, Irina Poleva, Benedetta Salsi, Cristina Cuciti, Maria Stella Tarico, Cinzia Incandela, Carmine Andrea Nunziata, Francesco D’Andrea, Elisabetta Perosino, Simona Carpagnano, Paola Abramo, Angeline Annine Yong, Renato Soriani Paschoal, Maria Daniela Villavicencio Romero, Aura Ibeth Ruiz Rosas, Daniel Ricardo Galimberti, Athina Matekovits, Susanne Hjøllund Kjeldsen, Tina Jensen, Paolo Mezzana, Heba Msallam, Simone Ribero and Steven Paul Nisticòadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121249 - 9 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3108
Abstract
The body contour market has grown rapidly in recent years, due to persistent requests for noninvasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity. A variety of different methods are now available to improve body shaping. This review aims to provide an [...] Read more.
The body contour market has grown rapidly in recent years, due to persistent requests for noninvasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity. A variety of different methods are now available to improve body shaping. This review aims to provide an exhaustive compendium of the main recommendations for the optimal use of an innovative device delivering microwaves (MWs) for unwanted fat and cellulite reduction (Onda Coolwaves, DEKA, Florence, Italy), resulting from the experiences of the most expert international users. The availability of this new technology has led to an increasing number of treated patients and clinical studies. However, what is still missing, to the best of our knowledge, is an evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety of this method. Based on the most recent data available, this compendium focuses on the ideal parameters, patient selection, and treatment methodology for providing safe and effective treatment protocols. Future research findings may suggest changes to the conclusions or recommendations in this report. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Technologies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
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