Skin Graft
February 2012
in “
Plastic Surgery International
”
TLDR Skin grafting is a key procedure for repairing skin defects, with the success depending on the right graft choice, donor site management, and aftercare.
In the 2012 review by Shimizu and Kishi, skin grafting is described as an essential procedure in plastic surgery and dermatology for repairing various skin defects. The article distinguishes between split-thickness and full-thickness skin grafts, noting that split-thickness grafts can survive in less vascular conditions but are more prone to contraction, while full-thickness grafts require a well-vascularized bed and contract less. The selection of donor sites is crucial and is based on matching the recipient site in consistency, thickness, color, and texture. The review highlights the importance of careful donor site selection in hair-bearing areas to prevent unwanted hair growth or loss. It also covers graft harvesting, preparation, fixation techniques, and postoperative care to minimize complications such as pigmentation changes and contraction. The authors stress the significance of proper graft selection, donor site management, and postoperative care for successful skin graft outcomes.