Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves removing skin from one area of the body (the donor site) and placing it over the affected area of the body.

Types Of Skin Grafting

• Split-thickness grafts: Split thickness graft means only the top two layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis) will be taken for grafting. These grafts are usually taken from the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. As the split-thickness grafts give a smooth, shiny appearance, they are usually used to cover large areas.

• Full-thickness grafts: Full-thickness graft means all layers of the skin are removed from the donor site. Donor sites for full-thickness grafts are abdomen, groin, or forearms. These grafts are generally used to cover smaller wounds, injuries as they are smaller pieces of the skin. Full-thickness grafts blend very well with the skin and give better cosmetic outcome when compared to split-thickness grafts. That is why, full-thickness grafts are used for more visible parts of the body such as the face.

• Dr. Hiren Bhatt will discuss your medical history. Also, he will make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the surgery.
• You will be asked to provide information about the medications you take. You will receive specific instructions regarding the same from the doctor.
• You will also receive guidelines for eating, drinking, and smoking from the doctor several days before. Make sure to follow all the instructions and guidelines provided by the doctor to avoid any risks and complications during the surgery and for a safe recovery.

General anesthesia is used for most skin grafts.

• An IV line is put in your hand to deliver fluids and medicines.
• After giving anesthesia, the doctor removes the scar tissue by making an incision around it.
• Then the skin is removed from the donor site as needed and is placed over the transplant area.
• If split-thickness grafts are used then the doctor may stretch it by punching several tiny holes in the graft to use a lesser amount of graft from the donor site and to avoid fluid collection under the skin graft.
• The doctor will use sutures to close the donate site if a full-thickness graft is taken. However, if a split-thickness graft is taken then the site will be left open to heal naturally. The dressing will be done to cover and protect it from the infection.

• Infection, reaction to anesthesia, bleeding may occur during skin grafting like any other major surgery.
• • There is a possibility that nerves and blood vessels at the repair and donor sites may get damaged.
  • The appearance of the skin may not improve at the repair site.
  • There is a possibility of partial or total graft loss.

Dr. Hiren Bhatt has set forth some basic criteria for a candidate to be an ideal candidate for Hair Transplant at NVYA Aesthetics, Vadodara:

• Baldness of Grade III (Norwood Classification) and above, and is otherwise healthy.
• Hair loss has been stabilized
• Or in some rare cases where sudden hair loss has taken place due to trauma or burns

Skin grafting is an effective way to repair and improve the appearance of the skin in the affected area. The skin graft improves the appearance of scars and other such elements, making them less visible. After swelling and bruising subside, you will see the final results. It may happen that the appearance of the skin may not fulfill your expectations; in that case, you may need additional procedures.

In case you have queries regarding this or any other procedures, we welcome you for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Hiren Bhatt where he will expertly guide you on the matter.