Skin Grafts
The Centre, P.C. offers the most advanced skin graft surgery to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
A skin graft involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body (called the donor site) to cover an injured area. The graft is said to "take" when new blood vessels and scar tissue form in the injured area. While most grafts from a person's own skin are successful, sometimes the graft doesn't take. In addition, all grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites.
Skin grafts are normally used for wounds or injuries that are wide and difficult (or impossible) to close directly. There are several types of skin grafts.
A split-thickness graft uses only the layers of skin closest to the surface. It is most commonly performed for burn wounds. The "donor site," where the patch of skin is taken, is determined by the size and color of the patch needed. The skin will grow back at the donor site, though it may be a bit lighter.
A full-thickness graft takes all layers of skin from the donor site. A thin scar usually results. Full-thickness grafts are used to treat deep and large burn wounds or areas where maximum elasticity is required, such as at joints.
A composite graft lifts all layers of skin as well as fat and sometimes underlying cartilage. A straight-line scar will remain where the graft is taken, though it will fade with time. Composite grafts are used in situations such as skin cancer on the nose and when a wound needs more underlying support.
For any type of skin graft surgery, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.
Contact our cosmetic surgeons to schedule a consultation about reconstructive surgery or skin graft surgery. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest procedures in skin graft surgery to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
- 800.909.2992
Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511
Chesterton Office
Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534