What are Skin Grafts and Flaps?
A skin graft is a patch of skin that is surgically moved from one area of the body and transplanted to another area. Often, skin will be taken from unaffected areas, called the donor site, and used to cover a defect, like a burn, or other injury. The donor site can be any area of the body, but is most times taken from a place that is easily covered by clothing.
Causes of Skin Grafts and Flaps
Skin grafts may be recommended for:
- Areas where there has been infection resulting in a large amount of skin loss.
- Burns
- Reconstructive surgery that resulted in a large amount of skin loss.
- Skin cancer surgery
- Surgeries that need a skin graft to heal.
- Large wounds.
What to Expect During a Skin Grafts and Flaps Procedure
During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the appropriate size section from the donor site, where it is carefully spread over the area where it is being transplanted. The graft is held in place by a gentle pressure, staples, or a few small stitches. The donor-site area is then covered with a sterile dressing for 3 to 5 days.
People with a deeper tissue loss may need a full-thickness skin graft. This requires the entire thickness of skin from the donor site.
Recovery will differ depending on the type, location, and size of the skin graft. Full-thickness grafts need a longer recovery time. You will need to wear a dressing for 1 to 2 weeks. It is important to follow the instructions given by your provider on protecting the dressing. It is also important to protect the graft from trauma for 3 to 4 weeks, including being hit or doing any exercise that may injure or dislodge the graft.
Risks of a Skin Grafts and Flaps Procedure
As with any procedure, there are certain risks associated with performing a skin graft. Common risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Loss of grafted skin
- Reduced or lost skin sensation, or increased sensitivity
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Uneven skin surface
- Bleeding or blood clots