Advances in reconstructive burn plastic surgery: comparison between autologous grafts and synthetic substitutes

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate advances in reconstructive plastic surgery for burn patients, with emphasis on the comparison between autologous grafts and synthetic substitutes. Literature review: Severe burns represent one of the most complex traumas in medicine, with significant functional, aesthetic, and psychological impacts. Autologous grafts remain the gold standard for skin coverage, providing tissue integration, lower rejection risk, and improved healing. However, their use is limited by donor site availability and associated complications. In this context, synthetic skin substitutes have emerged as important alternatives, enabling greater surface coverage, reduced donor site morbidity, and better infection control. Advances in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and bioprinting have expanded the clinical applicability of these substitutes, bringing their outcomes closer to those of traditional grafts. The literature also highlights the need to consider costs, hospitalization time, and long-term aesthetic results. Final considerations: Although autologous grafts remain the gold standard in burn reconstruction, alternatives such as allografts, dermal substitutes, and synthetic biomaterials have shown promising results, positively impacting healing, functionality, and aesthetics.