Overview

Healthy skin is usually removed from an area of ​​the human body and transplanted to the damaged area, although donor skin may be used in some cases. The skin, called an autograft, is removed (removed) from another area of ​​the human body. During the skin grafting process, a special skin cutting tool called a dermatome removes the skin from an area (donor site) that is usually hidden under clothing, such as the buttocks or inner thighs. He or she places the graft and then sutures it to the surrounding skin.

What is a skin graft?

A skin graft is a surgical procedure that involves removing skin from one part of the body and moving or grafting it to another part of the body. During this procedure, practitioners take healthy skin from one part of the body and transplant (move) it to cover damaged or missing skin.

A piece of skin (graft) is applied to the wound and is usually held in place with sutures. The surgeon begins the operation by removing the skin from the donor site. If you receive a partial thickness graft, the skin will be removed from an area of ​​your body that is usually hidden by clothing, such as your thigh or outer thigh.

Why are skin grafts done?

Skin grafting is only one means of reconstructing a defect in the skin, regardless of the cause of the defect. Most commonly, it is used for reconstruction after the surgical removal of cutaneous malignancies; however, skin grafts are also used to cover chronic nonhealing cutaneous ulcers, to replace tissue lost in full-thickness burns, and to restore hair to areas of alopecia.

What are the types of skin grafts?

Split-thickness grafts

This type of skin graft is taken by shaving the surface layers (epidermis and a variable thickness of dermis) of the skin with a large knife called a dermatome. The shaved piece of skin is then applied to the wound. This type of skin graft is often taken from the leg. A split skin graft is often used after excision of a lesion on the lower leg.

Full-thickness grafts

This is the removal and transfer of an entire area of skin. Full-thickness grafts are usually recommended for areas where cosmetic appearance is important, such as the face. 

In the case of FTSG, doctors often remove healthy skin in the groin, arm, or collarbone area and then immediately close the donor wound. During an FTSG, your doctor removes and transplants the top layer of skin and the entire second layer of skin.

Composite grafts

The most common composite grafts in dermatological surgery are grafts containing cartilage, which are used to strengthen the nose or ears. Composite grafts contain skin and another type of tissue, usually cartilage. A leaf graft is a piece of donor skin taken from an unburned area of ​​the body.

What should I avoid after the operation?

Try to avoid getting sunlight on the skin graft for several months. This helps to prevent a permanent change of color in the grafted skin. And for at least 3 weeks after surgery, avoid exercise that stretches the skin graft, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.

Takeaway

Skin grafts are technically less difficult but may take longer as the procedure creates a second surgical site. Typically, skin grafts are used when, in the opinion of the reconstructive surgeon, other reconstruction techniques such as primary closure, secondary healing, or localized skin flaps are not suitable, available, or suboptimal. 

If there is not enough skin on the body to cover the graft, you may need skin from another source. Alternative graft sources are for temporary use only, until the graft or until the patient’s skin grows back.

DISCLAIMER     

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.