Skin Grafts

Very serious burn victims may need to undergo a special treatment known as skin grafting in order to survive. Skin grafting is a procedure in which skin from one, unharmed area of the body – known as the donor site – is removed and transplanted onto the burn site. There are two different forms of grafting – full-thickness grafts and split-thickness grafts. There are pros and cons to each, and depending on the extent of your burn, you may require one or the other.

Split-Thickness Grafts

These are the most common form of grafting, in which only the epidermis and the dermis are removed from the donor site and transplanted to the burned area. Because this form of skin graft will leave a large scar, donor skin is typically removed from body areas that are easily covered up by clothing, such as the buttocks or thigh.

Full-Thickness Grafts

Full-thickness grafts are much riskier procedures that are performed only on areas that have suffered deep and extensive damage. They require the removal of all skin layers, muscles, and the blood supply from the donor site. Typically, the stomach and back are selected as donor areas.

Those undergoing full-thickness grafts run a much higher risk of having the receiving site reject the donated skin. They will also require a prolonged healing period, causing them to spend around one or two weeks in the hospital.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about skin grafts, then the propane explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® can provide you with the information you need.  Contact our offices by calling 800-242-2874 to speak with an attorney about your questions and concerns.