When a Skin Graft May Be Necessary

A skin graft is sometimes needed in order to help a severe wound heal properly. It involves the removal of a patch of skin from one area of the body and moving it to the affected area. It is typically used when a portion of a patient’s body no longer has a sufficient amount of protective covering. Here is some information on why this procedure is needed and how it works.

Reasons for Using Skin Grafts

If the skin has suffered a severe infection or the body has been deeply burned or suffered a large, open wound, then a skin graft may be needed in order for healing to take place. In some instances, the procedure will be used to help treat ulcers on the skin that are not responding properly to other methods of treatment. Skin grafts are also sometimes used to treat bedsores.

How it Works

There are two main types of skin grafts. One is typically known as a “split-level thickness” graft while the other is referred to as a “full-thickness” graft.

In a split-level thickness procedure, a doctor will remove the skin’s top two levels, known as the epidermis and dermis. This procedure is usually done to cover a large area of the body, and the graft will typically have a smooth, shiny appearance afterward. A full-thickness graft involves the removal of not only the epidermis and dermis, as well as blood vessels and muscles. This procedure is typically used for a smaller wound that appears on the face or another highly visible part of the body. This type of graft will usually blend in very well with the surrounding skin.

Please get in touch with DFW Wound Care Center if you would like to learn more about how a skin graft aids in healing. Contact us online or call 972-665-6292 (Plano), 972-318-2383 (Lewisville) or 972-665-6292 (Irving) to schedule an examination.