Honey dressings have a well-documented history in wound management and have re-emerged in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery as an evidence-based adjunct for complex wounds and burns. The therapeutic use of honey for wounds dates back thousands of years, originating from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Indigenous practices. Its decline followed the introduction of antiseptics and antibiotics in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Renewed interest emerged in the late twentieth century as antibiotic resistance increased and laboratory studies demonstrated honey’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, osmotic effects, low pH, and ability to stimulate autolytic debridement and granulation tissue formation (1,2). These findings provided a scientific basis for reintroducing honey into modern wound care (2). Subsequent clinical research supported honey’s effectiveness in managing burns, donor sites, infected surgical wounds and chronic ulcers, frequently encountered in plastic surgery (2). Medical-grade honey, particularly Manuka honey, were standardised to ensure sterility, consistent antibacterial activity, and safety, allowing integration into contemporary reconstructive pathways (2). In plastic surgery practice, honey dressings have been used to control bioburden, reduce inflammation, promote granulation, and optimise wound beds prior to definitive reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps. The history of honey dressings reflects a translation of traditional medicine into modern plastic surgery practice. Supported by scientific validation, honey has regained a defined role in wound bed preparation and infection control, reinforcing its value as a bridge to definitive reconstruction and wound management. 1.Molan PC. The role of honey in the management of wounds. J Wound Care. 1999;8(8):415–418. 2.Tashkandi H. Honey in wound healing: An updated review. Open Life Sci. 2021 Oct 6;16(1):1091-1100. doi: 10.1515/biol-2021-0084. PMID: 34708153; PMCID: PMC8496555.