The need for a skin graft arises when skin infections, Ulcers, bed sores and Skin cancer leave the skin damaged and in a condition where the body can’t repair it on its own.
The process is carried out under the influence of local or general anesthesia where the subject might not feel any pain.
What are the types of Skin Grafts?
There are two types of Skin Grafts
Split thickness grafts: This type of graft mostly involves thin layers of skin taken from the donor site mostly thighs or buttocks. This mostly involves the epidermal layer of the skin.
Full thickness grafts: This type of graft mostly involves both epidermis and the dermis layers extracted from the donor site. This type of grafting takes a little more time to heal than a split thickness graft.
The procedure will be scheduled by the surgeon and the patient will be informed beforehand about the date and time of the procedure. Since the procedure involves the use of anesthesia is better to have a family member along in order to handle situations like driving the subject to the hospital, getting prescribed medicines etc.
During the procedure special skin grafting equipment called Dermatone is used which removes the skin from the donor site.
Post the procedure the doctor might ask the patient to stay in the hospital for a few hours in order to monitor the vitals of the patient; after that he might prescribe the patient with some pain killers and other medicines for recovery.
Post which the doctor will schedule a regular checkup in order to monitor the process of recovery, which would take 3-4 weeks depending upon the age and other conditions of the patient.
Post the surgery the patient has to wear a dressing for about 2 weeks; Split thickness skin grafts heal quickly compared to full thickness skin grafts.
During the recovery period it is good to avoid physical activity and avoid strenuous work.
The patients can rest assured that under the able supervision of Dr. Kiran they need not worry about the recovery and simple follow the instructions given by him as they are under safe hands and will make a quick recovery.
During the recovery period it is better to avoid the dressing from getting wet.
Keep the dressing clean by preventing dirt and sweat.
The procedure is absolutely safe and is done under strict medical supervision and with utmost care. There are minimal to no side effects when it comes to the procedure.