A skin graft is a surgical procedure used to repair or reconstruct damaged or missing skin by transplanting a piece of skin from one area of the body to another. The graft can be taken from the patient's own body, known as an autograft, or from a donor, known as an allograft. The primary cause for performing a skin graft includes treating severe skin injuries, such as those caused by burns, traumatic wounds, or surgical removal of tumors, as well as chronic skin conditions or ulcers that do not heal on their own. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes a layer of skin from the donor site and places it over the wound or damaged area. The skin graft is then secured with stitches or adhesive and covered with a protective dressing. While skin grafts are effective in promoting wound healing and restoring skin integrity, they are associated with potential complications. Common risks include infection at the graft or donor site, graft rejection, and poor graft take, where the transplanted skin does not adhere properly or integrate with the surrounding tissue. Other complications may include bleeding, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation. Additionally, the donor site can experience pain, delayed healing, or cosmetic changes. Despite these risks, skin grafting remains a critical technique in reconstructive and burn surgery, providing significant benefits in restoring skin function and appearance, and improving overall outcomes for patients with severe skin damage or loss.
