Split Thickness Skin Graft

What is a skin graft?

Your skin is the largest organ you have, protecting you from environmental toxins, infection, and trauma. When your skin is damaged by disease or injury, you must receive prompt medical care to prevent serious infections and even life-threatening complications.

Repairing areas of damaged skin often involves a surgical procedure known as a skin graft. The two most common types of skin grafts include full-thickness and split-thickness.

What’s the difference between full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts?

Split-thickness grafts involve the replacement of the epidermis, or outermost layer of skin, and a small part of the deeper dermis layer. The Coastal Vascular Center team of surgeons take healthy skin from another area of your body, known as the donor site, usually your thighs, buttocks, or abdomen.

A full-thickness graft requires the removal of the epidermis and dermis from donor sites, like your groin, forearm, or above your collarbone, to replace damaged skin.

Full-thickness grafts usually involve replacing smaller areas of skin, while split-thickness skin grafts repair larger areas of skin.

What can I expect during split-thickness skin graft surgery?

You can expect to receive sedation prior to your skin graft to keep you pain-free and comfortable. Your Coastal Vascular Center surgeon begins the procedure by removing skin from the donor site.

Your surgeon places healthy donor skin over the transplant area, securing it into place with stitches or a surgical dressing. In some cases, they may opt to mesh the graft, punching holes in the skin to make it stretch and to ensure fluids can drain out from the skin graft.

How long does it take to heal after skin graft surgery?

Following your split-thickness skin graft surgery, you may need to remain in the hospital for several days while the medical team monitors your overall health and the healing of your skin.

Within 36 hours of surgery, your skin graft starts to develop new blood vessels, further securing the graft into place. If this doesn’t occur, it may be an indication that your body is rejecting the graft and your Coastal Vascular Center surgeon discusses what your next steps will be.

If the graft is healing properly, you will be discharged with instructions to care for the graft at home to prevent infection. Your Coastal Vascular Center provider also recommends limiting your activities for a period of time to protect the graft site.

If you have skin damage from a burn or other trauma, find out if a split-thickness skin graft is right for you by calling Coastal Vascular Center. You can also book a consultation using the online booking feature.