Homologous tissues are also increasingly frequently used in plastic surgery. The fascia lata has long been used to replace facial muscles, while rib cartilage is frequently employed to reconstruct the nasal pyramid and the pavilion of the ear.
More innovative is the use of amniotic membrane in the acute treatment of second and third degree burns and chronic skin ulcers.
Thanks to the availability of these homologous tissues, the plastic surgeon does no longer need to remove tissue from the patient, something that until recently was inevitable, involving further skin incisions, scars and longer surgical times.