Skin graft

Skin graft is a type of medical procedure that involves the transplantation of skin. The transplanted tissue is called a skin graft.

Skin graft donor site

Surgeons may use skin grafts to treat:

• Extensive wound or burn
• Areas of extensive skin loss due to infection such as necrotizing fasciitis or purpura fulminans
• Specific surgeries that may require skin grafts for healing to occur

Skin grafts are often used in conjunction with other medical procedures, such as vascular surgery or reconstructive surgery.

Types of Skin Grafts

There are two main types of skin grafts: split-thickness and full-thickness grafts.

• Split-thickness grafts involve removing the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. These grafts are often used to cover large areas and the donor site can heal on its own.
• Full-thickness grafts involve removing all of the epidermis and dermis. These grafts are often used for small, exposed areas, such as the face.

Procedure

The procedure for a skin graft often involves the use of a general anesthetic. The surgeon will first prepare the area that will receive the graft. This often involves cleaning the area and removing any damaged tissue. The surgeon will then remove a layer of skin from a donor site and transplant it to the area that needs the graft.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with skin grafts. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Graft failure
• Scarring
• Chronic pain

Recovery

Recovery from a skin graft procedure will depend on the size and location of the graft. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a few weeks. During this time, the graft will be monitored for any signs of infection or graft failure.

See Also

• Plastic surgery
• Burn
• Wound healing

Skin graft Resources
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