Reconstructive surgery is fundamentally dedicated to restoring tissues and organs damaged by trauma, disease, or congenital anomalies, with the goal of re-establishing both physiological function and anatomical form. Facial reconstruction, as one of the most representative and technically demanding areas of the discipline, embodies the evolution of its concepts and technological progress. Using facial reconstruction as the point of departure, this article systematically delineates the scientific underpinnings and developmental frontiers of the field. Centered on four core elements—donor construction, vascular reconstruction, precision transplantation, and functional recovery, this article articulates the internal logic and technical considerations of both autologous and allogeneic reconstructive methods. Further, from the perspectives of regenerative donor fabrication, the digital and intelligent transformation of reconstructive surgery, breakthroughs in immune tolerance strategies, and the integration of engineering technologies to enhance functional outcomes, the article envisions potential paradigm shifts that may redefine the discipline. By leveraging facial reconstruction as a highly integrated lens, this work aims to elucidate the key drivers of innovation and chart the future directions of reconstructive surgery.
