Skin grafts

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Skin Grafts

Skin grafts (pronunciation: /skɪn ɡrɑːfts/) are a type of medical treatment where a piece of skin is moved from one area of the body to another. This procedure is often used to treat extensive wound or burn injuries, areas of extensive skin loss due to infection, specific surgeries that may require skin grafts for healing, or for cosmetic reasons where skin appearance is important.

Etymology

The term "skin graft" originates from the combination of the words "skin", referring to the outer covering of the body, and "graft", which in medical terms refers to the transplantation of tissues. The concept of skin grafting has been present since ancient times, with the earliest known record dating back to an Indian Sanskrit text written between 600 and 800 BC.

Types of Skin Grafts

There are two main types of skin grafts:

  • Autografts: This is the most common type of skin graft, where the donor skin is taken from a different site on the same individual's body.
  • Allografts: In this type, the donor skin is taken from another individual of the same species.

Other types include Xenografts (skin from another species) and Prosthetic grafts (synthetic materials).

Procedure

The procedure for a skin graft involves removing skin from one area of the body (the donor site) and transplanting it to the area that needs it (the recipient site). The skin graft is then secured with stitches, staples, or special surgical glue. The donor site is usually an area of the body that is hidden by clothing, such as the buttock or inner thigh.

Complications

Possible complications of skin grafts include infection, bleeding, and graft failure. The graft may not "take" and may need to be repeated. There may also be cosmetic issues, as the grafted skin may not match the surrounding skin perfectly.

Related Terms

  • Dermatology: The branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.
  • Plastic Surgery: A surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.
  • Transplantation: The process of transferring an organ or tissue from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another.

External links

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