1. SKIN GRAFT
Ulvan Ozad

2. Skin Graft
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.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002982.htm

3. Skin Graft
Partial-thickness skin grafts
• Contains epidermis and superficial part of dermis
• Usually taken from donor site with dermatome or Humby knife
• Donor site epithelium grows back from sweat glands and hair follicles
• Graft can be 'meshed' to increase the area that can be covered
• Excess skin can be stored in fridge and reused for up to 3 weeks
• Partial-thickness grafts can not be used on infected wounds
• Not suitable for covering bone, tendon or cartilage
• Cosmetic result is often not good
Full-thickness skin grafts
• Contains epidermis and all of dermis
• Can only be used to cover small defects
• Good cosmetic results can be obtained
• Donor site needs to be closed with primary suture or partial thickness graft
• Common donor sites include the postauricular skin and supraclavicular fossa
http://www.surgical-tutor.org.uk/default-home.htm?specialities/plastic/skin_grafts.htm

4. Why is This Procedure Performed?
• Very large wounds
• Burns
• Venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, or diabetic ulcers
which do not heal
• Surgeries that need skin grafts to heal
• Areas where there has been infection that caused
a large amount of skin loss
• Cosmetic reasons or reconstructive surgeries
where there has been skin damage or skin loss
• Skin cancer surgery
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002982.htm

5. After the Surgery
• Depending on the location of the graft, 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.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002982.htm

6. Complications
• The grafted area looks a bit like a patchwork,
which may be depressed.
• It is never exactly similar to the surrounding
normal skin, though the appearance improves
with time.
• Sometimes you can have complications such
as bleeding, infection, partial or complete loss
of skin graft, raised scars and poor cosmetic
appearance.
http://www.christie.nhs.uk/patients/booklets/text/plastic_surgery/skin_grafts.aspx

7. Prognosis
• New blood vessels begin growing within 36
hours.
• Most skin grafts are successful, but some do
not heal well.
• A second graft may be needed
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002982.htm

8. http://www.rogerbondy.com/skin-graft.jpg http://www.eytonsearth.org/skindonorsite50.jpg

9. http://www.pssjournal.com/content/figures/1754-9493-2-12-4-l.jpg

10. http://www.edisposals.com/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/Disposals-Public-
Site/Disposals/en_US//Fieldtextiles/FieldMedical/FM001.Brennen-Skin-Graft.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/sendusaquarter/graft4.JPG

11. THANK YOU