Skin Grafting

Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that repairs a wound, such as a burn, by replacing the missing skin with new skin. The new skin that is used for the graft is taken from another part of the body which heals by itself.

Who Can Benefit From Skin Grafting?

If you have a serious wound, a skin graft may be a good solution. If so, it should be applied as quickly as possible to promote proper healing. The most common wounds that benefit from skin grafts are:

• Second and third-degree burns (first-degree burns generally heal well on their own.)
• Skin abrasions or ulcers.
• Pressure wounds
.

What is the Procedure Like?

Most skin graft surgery is performed in a hospital, and you will be asleep under general anesthesia during the procedure. If only a small area needs to be grafted, it may be performed as an outpatient procedure under a local anesthetic.

The amount of time required for the surgery will vary greatly based on your individual circumstances. In preparation for surgery, the doctor will fully clean the wound, which will help the skin graft to adhere properly. The skin is then taken from another part of the body, where new skin will grow to replace the skin that has been removed. This skin is applied to the wound area and sutured around the edges. The skin graft and the area where the skin was taken will be covered with bandages.

If a very large graft has been made, you may be required to wear a cast to make sure the graft stays in place during the healing process. Sometimes, a temporary graft is made using skin from an outside donor. This protects the wound from infection while it continues to heal. The doctor takes the skin from your own body for the permanent graft. Skin from a donor will not be permanently accepted by your body, but it will remain in place for several days or even weeks.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Skin grafts can require a lot of care during the healing process. You may have to apply ointment to the graft area and wear bandages for several months. These bandages will have to be changed periodically. The doctor will give you detailed instructions for taking care of your grafts, and your progress will be monitored during periodic follow-up visits.

The instructions you are given for caring for your grafts will vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and the area of the body where the grafts have been placed. If the grafts have been placed on your legs, for example, you will need to stay in bed for a week or longer with your legs elevated.

The doctor will advise you how to wash, when to return to work, and when to resume your exercise program or sports activities. Again, these timelines will differ from patient to patient. It may take months for a skin graft to fully heal.

What Are the Risks of Skin Grafting?

Serious wounds, of course, are risky in and of themselves, and skin grafting adds to your safety. Skin graft surgery itself is actually very safe, and complications are uncommon. In rare cases, there are problems with infection or poor blood flow through the skin graft area, which can cause the grafting process to fail. In these cases, further reconstruction (possibly more skin grafting) may be necessary.