What to Expect from a Skin Graft Procedure

A skin graft procedure is sometimes needed in order to remove and transplant healthy skin from one part of your body to another in order to replace damaged skin due to a wound or another problem. The areas from which grafts are taken include the buttocks, thigh and upper arm. Here is some information on why this procedure is needed and what to expect during the surgery and afterward.

Skin Grafts Uses

People often need a skin graft after suffering a large wound, a pressure ulcer or a diabetic foot ulcer that will not heal through more conventional means of treatment. The goal of the procedure is for the patient to have healthy, growing skin in the affected area.

Before and After the Skin Graft Procedure

The doctor will first clean the wound thoroughly before starting the skin graft procedure. The type of anesthetic you will need will depend on the extent of the surgery. You may be given a local anesthetic or you may need general anesthesia where you will be put to sleep.

Then, the doctor will measure your wound and trace the pattern needed over the donor area, where the skin will then be removed with a special device known as a harvesting machine or a scalpel. You may need a split-thickness graft, where the top and part of the middle layer of skin are removed, a full-thickness graft (where all of the top and middle layer are removed) or a composite graft (using a combination of skin and fat or skin and cartilage).

Once the skin from the donor site has been harvested, it will be placed on the affected area and then secured with staples or stitches. Then a pressure bandage will be applied and possibly a vacuum-assisted closure device. The time you will spend in the hospital will depend on the size of the graft and the degree of additional care that may be needed. Once you get back home, it will be vital that you follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter so that the area heals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the various skin graft procedures and what to expect afterward, the experts with DFW Wound Care Center can help. Give us a call at 972-665-6292 (Plano) or 972-318-2383 (Lewisville) or contact us online.