Skin Grafts and Flaps (2)

Question 1

When is this used?

What is a Skin Graft?

What is a Skin Flap?

What are the CI’s here?

How does the result of a flap compare to a graft?

Answer 1

➊ When the defect can’t be closed by primary or secondary intention

➋ Doesn’t take blood supply with it

➌ Takes blood supply with it

➍ Infection, Skin cancer, Previous radiotherapy at recipient site, Immunosuppression, Smoker, Poorly controlled DM

➎ Usually provides better cosmetic results and has a lower chance of failure compared to skin grafts

Question 2

Skin Graft:
What are its types?

What are the stages of its implantation at the donor site?

Answer 2

➊ • Split-skin thickness – doesn’t contain whole dermis
• Full thickness – contains whole dermis (also transplants hair follicles)

➋ • Haemostasis – Normal response to prevent excessive bleeding
• Plasmatic imbibition – Day 1-2 – Fluid migrates into graft bed, making it oedematous
• Inosculation – Day 2-3 – Vascular network slowly begins to form
• Re-innervation – Week 2-4 – Sensation may take months to yrs to return or may go back to normal