Full-Thickness Skin Graft

Abstract

Skin grafting for coverage of skin and/or tissue defects, secondary to trauma, infections, and neoplasms, is still a widely performed procedure by reconstructive surgeons today. While split-thickness skin grafts include the epidermis and varying amounts of dermis, full-thickness skin grafts consist of the epidermis and the entire underlying dermis. Full-thickness skin grafts are valuable for the reconstruction of certain soft tissue defects that require maintenance of functional and aesthetic integrity, such as the fingers or face. Donor sites may heal by primary closure or use of split-thickness skin grafts. Undeniably, full-thickness skin grafting bears its own risks of complications. The most significant involves the potential for graft contracture, poor graft survival, donor-site infections, and skin color mismatching. Overall, the procedure is a meticulous task that requires important postoperative observation and care. Restoration of function and cosmesis is considered a successful outcome for full-thickness skin grafting procedures.