Is skin grafting an ambulatory procedure?

Answer 1

Skin grafting is a surgical procedure usually performed in the operation room and done by specialists. It involves the use of special technique, from the dermatome to particular types of sutures. As with most surgical interventions, it requires a close observation of the patient for a period including days to weeks. Different plastic surgery schools recommend specific periods. But the first days are essential for the evolution. New blood vessels are built in the first 36 hours from the intervention. The skin graft must be protected from trauma or significant stretching for 2-3 weeks. Depending on the location of the graft, a dressing may be necessary for 1-2 weeks. Exercise that might stretch or injure the graft should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.Therefore I doubt any surgeon would do this intervention on an ambulatory (checking in and out of the hospital in the same day) basis. Doru S.