Abstract
In oral and maxillofacial surgery, autogenous split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are generally used when keratinized tissue is needed. A common indication is in preprosthetic surgery in conjunction with a vestibuloplasty. ExcelIent results have been achieved with this technique. Disadvantages concerning the donor site, however, must always be considered. The patient commonly complains more about the donor site (usually the thigh), than the oral recipient site and associated surgery. In addition to postoperative pain, possible complications include infection, delayed healing, and scar formation. Infrequently, skin grafts have been obtained from avulsed or surgicalIy removed skin that was deemed otherwise useless using drum dermatomes. 1-3 An alternative we present is intentional surgical removal of a fulI-thickness skin portion including the sub cutaneous fat. A split-thickness or full-thickness skin graft can then be removed using the Reese dermatome on the back table away from the patient. Primary closure of the donor site can be achieved, which eliminates many complications. We have used abdominal skin in nearly alI cases. It accommodates primary closure even in thin patients. In the more obese patient, the donor site can be treated as a limited abdominoplasty.
Published Version
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