What is a skin graft?Top
A skin graft is the removal of damaged skin and its
replacement with healthy skin taken from another part of
your body (or donor area). Split skin grafts are the most
common type of skin graft using the epidermis (outer layer
of skin) and upper layers of the dermis (second layer).
What is a donor area?Top
A donor area is where the skin is harvested or taken from
another part of your body and used to cover the affected
area. This area heals within 10 – 14 days. The skin is usually
taken from the thighs, buttocks or other areas. You will be
able to discuss the proposed donor site with the medical staff.
How is the graft secured?Top
The graft will be secured in different ways for the different
patients. It may be stapled, stitched or glued in place, or
simply laid onto the area.
Care of the donor area?Top
The donor area will usually be left for 10 – 14 days, but
sometimes may be inspected with your graft. Often the
donor area will ooze fluid and may smell this is quite
normal. As the healing process of the donor area continues
you may experience some pain, and especially itching,
when walking, and at other timed also. As time goes on
the dressing will dry out, harden and separate from the
donor area, it may even fall off. This is also quite normal,
as the dressing is designed to fall off when the donor site
is healed.
How can I help my healing?Top
By eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein intake.
By avoiding smoking, this slows or stops your healing by slowing
Oxygen and blood supply to the grafted area.
Will my grafted skin be the same?Top
After skin grafts, scar formation is inevitable. The scar will
never look exactly like ordinary skin, but with proper care
and medical management during the first 18 months after
your burn, the scarring can be reduced to a low level. It
takes up to 18 months for a scar to mature, usually leaving
only a pale, soft flat and supple scar. During this time
there are several important steps that may be taken to
treat your possible scars, and your consultant may order
special exercises, creams, splints or pressure garments for you.
All this will be made clear by the nursing staff prior to your
discharge.
Care of the grafted area.Top
The grafted area is usually left dressed for five-seven days
after the operation. It will be securely wrapped up with
dressings. Some patients may also require a plaster of Paris
to prevent additional movements near the joints. It is
important that the graft is moved as little as possible in the
first 48 hours, giving the skin graft a chance to take. In some
cases you will be advised to stay in bed. Sometimes a graft
may be left without dressing. If so, the graft will be looked
after by nursing and medical staff, and will be cleaned and
inspected regularly.
Inspection of the graft.Top
The first dressing change is carried out five – seven days after
the operation. If staples were used this is when they are
removed. This may be painful, so your usual painkillers will be
given. If sutures were used they may be removed, but not
always. The Doctor will examine your graft and decide on
the final part of your treatment. You will probably be given
a lighter dressing, and will not have to have another plaster
of Paris applied. |
