The process of Skin Grafting

There are three main types of skin graft techniques:

Split-thickness graft

• removal of the top layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the middle layer (dermis)
• allows the source site to heal more quickly
• the graft is more fragile, may be abnormally pigmented

Full-thickness graft

• removal and transfer of an entire area of skin
• requires stitches to heal the source site
• usually recommended for areas where cosmetic
• appearance is important, such as the face

Composite grafts

• combinations of skin and fat, skin and cartilage, or dermis and fat
• used in areas that require three-dimensionality, such as the nose

The patient will be given a local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the wound.

The graft is held in place either by gentle pressure from a well-padded dressing or by a few small stitches. The raw donor area is covered with a sterile nonadherent dressing for 3-5 days to protect it from infection.

New blood vessels begin growing from the recipient area into the transplanted skin within 36 hours. Most skin grafts are successful, but in some cases they don't heal well and require repeat grafting. The graft should also be monitored for good circulation.

The recovery from surgery is usually rapid after split thickness skin grafting. The skin graft must be protected from trauma or significant stretching for 2-3 weeks. Full-thickness grafts require a longer period of recovery, with one to two week hospital stays in most cases.