Skin Grafts in Dallas, TX

Skin grafting entails taking skin from a healthy part of the body and transplanting it to an area that has been compromised due to severe burns, infections, large wounds, or skin cancer removal. Skin grafts are often performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation to reduce the amount of discomfort felt during the procedure. They are also usually performed on an outpatient basis and if sedation is used require another person, such as a friend or relative, to provide transportation for the patient. Our skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Thornwell Parker is skilled to perform skin grafts at our Skin Cancer Consultants facility in Dallas, TX.

Skin grafting procedures fall into two categories: split-thickness and full-thickness. Split-thickness grafts (also called a STSG) utilize a long flat blade to shave off and split off the epidermis and an adjustable thickness of the dermis to create a very thin layer of skin. There are many locations on the body where this skin can be harvested, commonly referred to as the donor site. Typically utilized donor sites include the thigh, abdomen, buttocks, or back. Split-thickness grafts are an effective way to mend bigger areas of concern, where an extensive amount of skin is either missing or damaged beyond repair. Grafts of this type are usually more fragile and might look shinier, thinner, or darker than the adjoining skin.

A full-thickness skin graft (also called an FTSG) requires the removal of the entire dermis and epidermis, the full thickness of the skin, from wherever the best donor site is determined to be. These patches of skin can be taken from many locations, often hidden areas behind the ear, groin, abdomen, or a site above the collarbone.  The amount of skin that can be taken is sometime more limited compared with a split graft.   However, full-thickness grafts are often best for cosmetically sensitive areas like the face or functional areas like over joints. Fortunately, these grafts often blend in much better with the surrounding skin and provide a more aesthetically pleasing result since they are thicker and more durable.

Just like a skin graft, a cartilage graft involves taking tissue from one area of the body and using it in another. Cartilage are most often used to replace missing structural support in the nose, where the cartilage is used to enhance the shape and structure of the nose. Cartilage grafts are comprised of pieces of cartilage that are expertly shaped and carved to either strengthen weak tissue or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed. The actual grafts are usually taken from the bowl of the ear, sometimes the center wall of your nose, referred to as the septum, or on rare occasion from on of your ribs. 

A consultation with Dr. Parker will provide you with all the vital information you will need to prepare for a successful surgery and recovery. Rarely you may be advised to alter any current medication if they are going to interfere with the procedure. If you smoke, you will be advised to stop at least two, preferably four weeks before surgery since it greatly inhibits your body’s ability to heal. At Skin Cancer Consultants, we pride ourselves on ensuring you are educated about your procedure beforehand and will take the time to answer each of your questions. We invite you to give us a call today to set up your consultation.