Skin Graft

A skin graft may be used to cover skin that has been damaged and/or is missing. This surgical procedure involves removing healthy portions of skin from one part of the body to restore normal appearance and/or function to another portion of the same body. The place where the skin is removed is called the donor site. There are three different types of skin grafts that may be utilized, depending upon the size and location of needed skin. These include the following:

• Split-thickness skin graft
  • Commonly used to treat burn wounds
  • Uses only the layers of skin closest to the surface
  • Donor location site will be chosen based on size, type, and pigment of skin needed
• Full-thickness skin graft
  • Used to treat deep and large wounds or scars
  • Used when maximum skin elasticity is needed
  • Uses all layers (not only the surface layer) of skin from the donor site
• Composite skin graft
  • Provides the repaired skin with the most underlying support
  • Involves lifting all layers of skin, fat, and sometimes the underlying cartilage from the donor site