Skin Grafting Surgery Before and After

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Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy skin from one area of the body to another area that has been damaged by burns, injury, surgery, or chronic wounds. It helps restore the skin barrier, reduce scarring, prevent infection, and improve appearance and mobility.

Skin grafts may be split-thickness (thin layer of skin) or full-thickness (includes deeper layers), depending on the depth and purpose of the reconstruction.

• Individuals with large wounds or skin loss due to trauma, such as accidents or injuries.

• Patients with extensive burns where the skin cannot heal on its own.

• Those undergoing removal of large skin lesions or cancer surgery that leave significant defects.

• Individuals with chronic non-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores.

Before surgery:  Medications that cause bleeding or easy bruisability like anticoagulants should be stopped 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.  Preoperative laboratories and medical clearance are done to ensure patient safety.  

Anesthesia: general anesthesia 

Incision: Skin grafting surgery involves taking a thin layer of healthy skin from one part of the body (called the donor site) and placing it over a wound that cannot heal on its own. The graft is carefully secured with stitches or dressings so it can attach and grow a new blood supply in the area. In the absence of infection, both the graft and donor site heal in 1-2 weeks, helping restore skin coverage and protect the underlying tissues.

Procedure Time:  2-4hours depending on severity
 

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for 1-2 weeks.  The grafted skin is covered in dressing which is inspected every 5-7 days until the graft fully adheres.  The donor site is also covered with an advanced dressing to hasten healing and lessen pain.  Both grafted skin and donor site are expected to heal in 2-3 weeks in the absence of infection.

• Suture Removal: sutures on the graft site are removed after 1-2 weeks
   
• Downtime: dressing and immobilization is maintained in 2-3 weeks.

• Scarring:  scars are usually visible for 1-3 months and will gradually fade over 6-12 months.  Silicone gel, ilicone patch or compression garment are advised after surgery to improve scar formation.  
   
• Results: the grafted skin gradually contracts after surgery hence it is important to do physical therapy if graft is located over a joint or extremity.  The donor site at first looks lighter in color compared to adjacent skin.  The skin tone will eventually even out over time.  

Q: Will the grafted skin look normal?
A: While color and texture may differ slightly, Dr. Aicee uses advanced techniques to blend the graft as naturally as possible and minimize scarring.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: The surgery is performed under anesthesia. Postoperative pain is manageable with medications, and both donor and grafted sites are cared for closely.

Q: What are the risks?
A: Common risks include partial graft failure, infection, or color mismatch. With proper technique and follow-up, most grafts heal successfully.

As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Aicee Bernal brings advanced training in wound care and skin restoration. She carefully plans each graft based on the patient’s wound type, location, skin tone, and functional needs.

Whether you're recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic wounds, skin grafting can restore both form and function.
Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal, and receive expert care from one of the leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the Philippines.