Skin grafting covers a wound with healthy skin taken from another part of the body, known as the donor site. It is used after burns, injuries, infections and tumour removal, and for wounds that cannot close by themselves. A split-thickness graft takes only the upper layers of skin, and the donor area heals on its own. A full-thickness graft takes the whole skin depth and is often chosen for the face and joints, where a closer match and less shrinkage matter.

At Apex, grafting is part of burn care, wound cover after trauma and cancer removal, and the repair of chronic wounds such as pressure sores and diabetic foot ulcers. The surgeon chooses the graft type and donor site based on the wound, and the grafted area is kept still and protected while it heals.

How the Procedure Can Help

A graft gives quick cover, which lowers the risk of infection and fluid loss and starts the healing process. In the right setting, it restores a protective surface that can cope with daily use.

Risks and Considerations

A graft survives only if it develops its own blood supply in the first few days. Otherwise, parts may fail and need repeating. Grafted skin often differs in colour and texture from the surrounding skin. The donor site is a wound in its own right and can be sore or leave a mark. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes make healing harder.