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Composite tissue allotransplantation is an emerging practice in the field of reconstructive surgery. Although still restricted to patients with major physical defects, it could be more widely practiced in the close future. The broadening of reconstructive surgery with "tissue reconstitution" depends on the functional results from the first hand allografts and from progress in immunotherapy. The mastery of microsurgery is a fundamental prerequisite to this activity and its development. Plastic surgeons will soon have to conceive, define, and master innovative surgical procedures for tissue restoration by microsurgical allotransplantation.

Abstract: Composite tissue allotransplantation is an emerging practice in the field of reconstructive surgery. Although still restricted to patients with major physical defects, it could be more widely practiced in the close future. The broadening of reconstructive surgery with “tissue reconstitution” depends on the functional results from the first hand allografts and from progress in immunotherapy. The mastery of microsurgery is a fundamental prerequisite to this activity and its development. Plastic surgeons will soon have to conceive, define, and master innovative surgical procedures for tissue restoration by microsurgical allotransplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]