A bilayer "artificial skin" composed of an outer layer of silicone and an inner sponge layer of collagen and chondroitin sulphate has been developed by modifying the technique proposed by Yannas et al. (1980). Following experimental successes, the "artificial skin" was applied clinically. It was placed on the skin defects of 10 patients. Three weeks after application the outer layer of silicone sheet was peeled off and thin split thickness skin was grafted onto the newly synthesised dermis-like tissue. Secondary skin grafts took perfectly in all cases and postoperative appearance was satisfactory.