Split-thickness skin grafts are typically adherent after 5 to 7 days upon completion of the stages of wound healing. Once the graft has integrated into the wound bed, it undergoes a maturation process that takes over one year to complete.

How long do you keep a skin graft covered?

The donor-site area is covered with a sterile dressing for 3 to 5 days. People with deeper tissue loss may need a full-thickness skin graft. This requires the entire thickness of skin from the donor site, not just the top two layers.

What are the main complication for split-thickness skin graft?

Complications of split-thickness skin grafts. Graft contraction, graft failure, hyperpigmentation, itchiness and dryness of the graft, durability and growth problems are the most common complications of split- thickness skin grafting.

How long does a skin graft take to heal and what does the patient need to do?

The donor site will heal within one to two weeks, but the graft site will take a bit longer to heal. For at least three to four weeks after the surgery, you’ll need to avoid doing any activities that could stretch or injure the graft site.

How do you know if a skin graft is healing?

Follow-up. During your follow-up visits, your doctor will check how you’re healing. If you have sutures, they may be removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Your graft site bandage will be changed 4 days to 7 days after surgery.

Should a skin graft be kept moist?

The graft should be treated delicately after suture removal. It is best to keep the area covered for 3 weeks after suture removal with a nonstick dressing (Telfa) and paper tape. Clean the graft daily with ½ strength peroxide and keep it moist with Vaseline.

How deep is a split thickness skin graft?

Split-thickness skin grafts are composed of full-thickness epidermis and partial-thickness dermis, and they most commonly range in thickness between 0.015 inches and 0.20 inches. They provide ample donor tissue with very good pliability, thus lending themselves to cover large defects with complex topography.

What is skin grafting surgery?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Skin grafting is surgery to cover and repair wounds with a skin graft. A skin graft is a portion of healthy skin that is taken from another area of your body called the donor site. Substitute skin grafts may also be used. These grafts may be artificial or they may come from another person or animal, such as a pig.

What do you need to know about split thickness skin grafts?

Discharge Instructions for Your Split Thickness Skin Graft Site. A skin graft is healthy skin that is used to replace damaged or missing skin. The graft is taken from another part of your body. This is called the donor site. You will need to care for both the graft and donor sites as instructed so they heal properly.

How long does it take for a split skin graft to heal?

Split skin grafts, particularly those on the legs, usually require ongoing dressings and elevation for at least 5 to 6 weeks. A compression stocking, such as tubigrip, needs to be worn from the toes to knee at all times, except when changing the dressing. This compression aids with wound healing.

How should I care for my Skin Graft after a transplant?

Protect the skin graft and donor site from the sun for 12 months. Wear clothing over them or use a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher. Do not rub, scratch, or injure the graft site in any way. Do not pick at scabs.