A skin graft is a patch of healthy skin taken from an area of your body called a donor site. Skin graft procedures are designed to help those who suffer from traumatic injury and wounds that are difficult or even impossible to close with traditional methods.
The three basic types of skin grafts include:
Split-Thickness Skin Graft
A common procedure to treat severe burn wounds, the split-thickness skin graft uses layers of close-to-the-surface skin. Donor sites are chosen in the least conspicuous areas when possible; however, the location of the skin graft area will depend in part by the size and color of the skin patch which is needed. Skin in the donor area will grow back, but it may be slightly lighter in pigmentation.
Full-Thickness Skin Graft
Deep and large burns may be treated by a full-thickness skin graft. This treatment can also cover jointed areas where maximum skin movement and elasticity are required. During this procedure, a full-thickness (all skin layers) section of skin is lifted from the donor site by one of our plastic surgeons. Patients can expect a thin-line scar from direct wound closure at the donor site.
Composite Skin Graft
When a wound needs more underlying support to cover it, a composite skin graft is often used. This requires the lifting of all layers of skin, fat, and sometimes underlying cartilage from the donor area. Patients can expect a straight-line scar after the donor site has been closed; however, this should fade with time.
