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Skin Grafting

A skin graft surgery can be a solution for a variety of different skin problems including covering up damaged skin and covering open wounds.

What is Skin Grafting?

Skin grafting is a procedure that involves removing skin from one part of the body and transferring it to another area that is damaged or missing. This is often performed if a part of the skin has become damaged from burns, injury or illness or has had to have pieces of skin removed. There are two forms of skin grafting surgery, first is a split-thickness skin graft and a full-thickness skin graft.

The Skin Graft Consultation

Here at UK Aesthetic, we want you to feel as prepared as possible before committing to any cosmetic surgery procedure. That’s why we invite you to the clinic for an initial consultation to discuss the expectations you have for your skin graft surgery. It’s important that you share with us as much information about your current health and lifestyle as possible.

The surgeon will also be able to determine whether you need a split-thickness skin graft or a full-thickness skin graft. You also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about skin reconstruction. A surgery plan will be created as a result of this consultation – which includes costs.

Case Studies

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Preparation for Skin Grafting Surgery

Skin reconstruction will require general anaesthetic, so if you have any health problems or if you’re feeling unwell then it’s important to let us know beforehand. There are some precautions you’ll need to take at least 6 weeks before a skin graft, including:

Don’t take aspirin
Stop smoking
Stop taking herbal supplements
Stop taking anti-inflammatories

In some cases, pre-operative tests may be required. Furthermore, after the skin graft, you should arrange for a friend or relative to collect you from the clinic. You should also take some time off work, usually about one week.

What to Expect During The Skin Grafting Surgery?

There are two main techniques for a skin graft. Depending on what is involved, they can take the form of either split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafts.

Split-Thickness Skin Graft

In a split-thickness skin graft procedure, the top layer of skin (the epidermis) is removed along with a portion of the deeper layer of skin. The new skin graft is taken from other areas of the body, most commonly the thighs, abdomen, buttocks or flanks. This extremely thin layer of skin is then used to cover large areas. These skin reconstruction grafts tend to be the most fragile and may appear paler than the adjoining skin.

Full-Thickness Skin Graft

A full-thickness skin graft involves removing all of the outer layer and the deeper layer (dermis) from the chosen donor area of the body. This is typically the groin, forearm, abdomen or collarbone. The pieces of skin in this skin graft are smaller and thicker, usually used for minor wounds. This form of skin reconstruction also usually blends in better with the skin around them for a more pleasing aesthetic outcome.

How Is The Skin Graft Healing

Skin graft healing is pretty simple. Some discomfort is typical after your skin graft surgery, so you may wish to take pain relief medication. It’s also important that you:

Keep the wounds as dry as possible
Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid strenuous exercise or activity

You’ll be checked over in the dressings clinic a week after your skin grafting to ensure you’re healing well. Have a look at our vlog on skin reconstruction surgery which provides even further details about skin graft surgery, what you can expect and case study examples.

FAQs

Who is A Skin Graft Suitable For?

There are many types of wounds that will require a skin graft but many get skin graft surgery after surgery to remove skin cancer amongst other ailments. Any patient who has experienced trauma to the skin whether that’s from injury, burns or illness is recommended to have skin reconstruction. Those with realistic skin grafting expectations.

What are the Risks or Complications of A Skin Graft?

The majority of patients are pleased with the results of the skin graft surgery. However, the surgeon may explain that your skin graft hasn’t taken well with the surrounding area. This may happen because of infection, excess fluid or bleeding. Any risks will be discussed in detail with your UK Aesthetics surgeon in Manchester.

What Types of Skin Graft Are There?

There are three main types of skin grafts available which use different techniques:

Split-thickness skin graft – the surgeon with this skin reconstruction technique will remove a top layer of skin and partially some of the middle layers. This technique allows your area to heal quickly, but once healed, you may find that the skin is a lighter colour than the rest of the skin.

Full-thickness skin graft – The surgeon with this technique of skin reconstruction will remove and transfer the whole layer of skin from an area. This is more often used for facial skin grafts.

Composite skin grafts – This form of skin graft removes both skin and fat or skin and cartilage or the middle layer of skin and fat. This skin reconstruction is used for areas that need more definition such as the nose.

How Much Does Skin Grafting Cost?

Skin grafting cost is dependent on the type of skin reconstruction. There is a range of different types of skin grafts available and areas that need surgery will all affect the cost. Once you have had your first skin graft surgery consultation, you will have a much better idea of the skin grafting cost and what to expect. If you are wanting to book a skin graft consultation, you can contact us anytime and we will help you through the process.

Do You Have Any Skin Graft Before and After Examples?

Due to the types of skin grafts, you can have and the areas you can have the procedure, it is difficult to give an exact example of what you will need. As you can see above there are some skin graft before and after examples to look at. If you would like to see more examples, you can browse our case studies page today.

Skin Grafting Surgery