A skin graft is a patch of skin that is removed by surgery from one area of the body and transplanted, or attached, to another area.
Alternative NamesSkin transplant; Skin autografting; FTSG; STSG; Split thickness skin graft; Full thickness skin graft
DescriptionYour surgery will probably be done while you are under general anesthesia (you will be unconscious and will not feel pain).
Healthy skin is taken from a place on your body called the donor site. Most people having a skin graft have a split-thickness skin graft. This takes the 2 top layers of skin from the donor site (the epidermis) and the layer under the epidermis (the dermis).
The donor site can be any area of the body. Most times, it is an area that is hidden by clothes, such as the buttock or inner thigh.
The graft is carefully spread on the bare area where it is being transplanted. It is held in place either by gentle pressure from a well-padded dressing that covers it, or by staples or a few small stitches. The donor-site area is covered with a sterile dressing for 3 to 5 days.
People with deeper tissue loss may need a full-thickness skin graft. This takes the entire thickness of the skin from the donor site, not just the top 2 layers.
A full-thickness skin graft is a more complicated procedure. The flap of skin from the donor site includes the muscles and blood supply. It is transplanted to the area of the graft. Common donor sites include skin and muscle flaps from the back or the abdominal wall.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedSkin grafts may be recommended for:
Full-thickness grafts are done when a lot of tissue is lost. This can happen with open fractures of the lower leg.
RisksRisks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for this surgery are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
During the days before your surgery:
If you have Diabetes, follow your diet and take your medicines as usual.
On the day of the surgery:
Prepare your home. Plan to have the help will you need from your spouse, a friend, or a neighbor.
Make sure the bathroom and the rest of the house are set up safely so that you do not trip or fall. Make sure you can get in and out of your house easily.
After the ProcedureYou should recover quickly after split-thickness skin grafting, except in cases of major burns. The skin graft must be protected from trauma, such as being hit, or heavy stretching for 2 to 3 weeks.
Depending on the location of the graft, you may need to wear a dressing for 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid exercise that might stretch or injure the graft for 3 to 4 weeks. Some people need physical therapy after their skin graft.
Full-thickness grafts need a longer recovery period. Most people with these grafts need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks.
Outlook (Prognosis)New blood vessels begin growing within 36 hours. Most skin grafts are successful, but some do not heal well. You may need a second graft.
ReferencesMackay DR, Miraliakbari R, eds. Skin grafts. Operative Techniques in General Story. December 2006; 8(4);197-206.
A skin graft is a patch of skin that is removed by surgery from one area of the body and transplanted, or attached, to another area.
Alternative NamesSkin transplant; Skin autografting; FTSG; STSG; Split thickness skin graft; Full thickness skin graft
DescriptionYour surgery will probably be done while you are under general anesthesia (you will be unconscious and will not feel pain).
Healthy skin is taken from a place on your body called the donor site. Most people who are having a skin graft have a split-thickness skin graft. This takes the two top layers of skin from the donor site (the epidermis) and the layer under the epidermis (the dermis).
The donor site can be any area of the body. Most times, it is an area that is hidden by clothes, such as the buttock or inner thigh.
The graft is carefully spread on the bare area where it is being transplanted. It is held in place either by gentle pressure from a well-padded dressing that covers it, or by staples or a few small stitches. The donor-site area is covered with a sterile dressing for 3 to 5 days.
People with deeper tissue loss may need a full-thickness skin graft. This requires an entire thickness of skin from the donor site, not just the top two layers.
A full-thickness skin graft is a more complicated procedure. The flap of skin from the donor site includes the muscles and blood supply. It is transplanted to the area of the graft. Common donor sites for full-thickness skin grafts include the chest wall, back, or abdominal wall.
Why the Procedure Is PerformedSkin grafts may be recommended for:
Full-thickness grafts are done when a lot of tissue is lost. This can happen with open fractures of the lower leg, or after severe infections.
RisksRisks for any anesthesia are:
Risks for this surgery are:
Always tell your doctor or nurse:
During the days before your surgery:
If you have diabetes, follow your diet and take your medicines as usual.
On the day of the surgery:
Prepare your home. Plan to have the help you will need from your spouse, a friend, or a neighbor.
Make sure the bathroom and the rest of the house are set up safely so that you do not trip or fall. Make sure you can get in and out of your house easily.
After the ProcedureYou should recover quickly after split-thickness skin grafting, except in cases of major burns. The skin graft must be protected from trauma, such as being hit, or heavy stretching for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Depending on the location of the graft, you may need to wear a dressing for 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid exercise that might stretch or injure the graft for 3 to 4 weeks. Some people need physical therapy after their skin graft.
Full-thickness grafts need a longer recovery period. Most people with these grafts need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks.
Outlook (Prognosis)New blood vessels begin growing within 36 hours. Most skin grafts are successful, but some do not heal well. You may need a second graft.
ReferencesMackay DR, Miraliakbari R, eds. Skin grafts. Operative Techniques in General Story. December 2006; 8(4);197-206.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 01/25/2011
Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Skin Graft Records was created in 1991.
first sucessful skin graft?
No, a skin graft is taking the skin from another area, while artificial skin is well... artificial skin.
I went to the doctor to get a skin graft.
A skin graft involves taking a piece of skin from an unburned portion of the patient's body (autograft) and transplanting it to the burned area.
autograft or autologous graft
In cases where the skin has been so damaged that it cannot properly heal, a skin graft is usually performed.
wat
Absulutely!
You will need a skin graft.
its called a skin graft
Yes.