Revolutionizing Skin Repair: The Science of Skin Grafting

Skin grafting transfers skin from one area of the body to another to close wounds that cannot heal on their own. It remains essential in burn care, trauma, cancer excision, and chronic ulcer surgery after the wound bed is prepared.

Types of skin grafts

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG)

Includes epidermis and part of the dermis. The donor site usually heals by re-epithelialisation. STSG is common for larger areas when the bed is healthy and vascular.

Full-thickness skin graft (FTSG)

Includes the full dermis. Used for smaller, cosmetically important areas where thicker, more durable cover is needed. Donor sites are closed primarily (often leaving a line scar).

When grafting is used

Examples include:

• Burns and deep abrasions after debridement
• Post-oncologic defects with adequate bed
• Chronic ulcers once infection and slough are controlled
• Selected traumatic losses

Grafting fails if the bed lacks blood supply — preparation is as important as the graft itself.

What patients should know

• Colour and texture match is imperfect, especially on the face or joints
• Contracture can occur without splinting and physiotherapy when indicated
• Donor site pain is real but usually manageable

Specialist care matters

Graft take depends on immobilisation, infection control, and technique. These procedures belong in experienced hands with proper theatre resources.

Learn more about reconstructive options at reconstructive services.