Applications of Bioscaffolds in Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery encompasses a wide array of specialties, including liposuction, facial cosmetic, breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery, body contouring, and skin grafting procedures. Given the critical need for biological safety in plastic surgery, biomaterials are extensively utilized due to their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability. A diverse range of biomaterials is currently employed in plastic surgery, offering versatile applications. The recent surge in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has enabled the production of highly precise and personalized bioscaffolds with microporous structures, promising significant advancements in biomaterials. This chapter delves into the principles and processes of 3D bioprinting technology, elucidating the merits and drawbacks of various bioprinting techniques. Additionally, it provides an overview of the bioprinting materials currently available and examines the rationale behind dynamic 3D bioprinting (4D bioprinting), achieved by modulating the combination strategy of bioprinting materials. The field of microsurgery has experienced remarkable growth over the past decades, propelled by advancements in surgical instruments, magnification technology, perforator dissection techniques, and vascular imaging. Consequently, this chapter discusses plastic surgery biomaterials and the latest advancements in their 3D manufacturing technology, emphasizing the integration of simulation models in laboratory settings for early skills development and assessment in microsurgery within residency programs.