[Adipose tissue in plastic surgery].

Current knowledge about adipose tissue is reviewed. Adipose tissue represents a special type of reticular connective tissue. Its full development is reached with the termination of body growth. The structural units of adipose tissue are fat lobules, the vascular supply of each lobule being complete and independent. Problems associated with fatty tissue surgery can be attributed to its structural and functional features. Pathophysiological processes in healing and transplantation of fatty tissue are analysed and correlated with clinical observations. The combination of fatty tissue properties does not favour free transplantation.