Skin grafting
Skin grafting
Skin grafting (pronunciation: /skɪn ɡræftɪŋ/) is a type of medical procedure that involves the transplantation of skin. The transplanted tissue is called a skin graft.
Etymology
The term "skin grafting" is derived from the English words "skin", referring to the outer covering of the body, and "grafting", which means to transplant tissue from one part of the body to another.
Procedure
Skin grafting involves removing skin from one area of the body (the donor site) and transplanting it to another area (the recipient site). The procedure is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including burns, wounds, and areas of skin loss due to infection or disease.
There are two main types of skin grafts: split-thickness grafts and full-thickness grafts.
- Split-thickness grafts involve removing the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and a portion of the deeper layer of skin (the dermis). These grafts are often used to cover large areas and are usually taken from the thigh, buttock, or upper arm.
- Full-thickness grafts involve removing the entire thickness of the skin, both the epidermis and the dermis. These grafts are often used for smaller, more visible areas, such as the face. They are usually taken from areas where the skin is thin and supple, such as behind the ear or the upper eyelid.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, skin grafting carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and graft failure. The risk of complications can be reduced by following the surgeon's post-operative care instructions.
Related Terms
- Autograft: A graft of tissue from one point to another of the same individual's body.
- Allograft: A graft of tissue from one individual to another of the same species.
- Xenograft: A graft of tissue from one individual to another of a different species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skin grafting
- Wikipedia's article - Skin grafting
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