Full Thickness Grafts

Full thickness skin graft procedure

A full thickness skin graft (FTSG) refers to the process of transferring all of the skin epidermis and the dermis of one area of the body to another to treat a skin injury. It can also apply in regions that need superior cosmetic performance, less contraction or small to medium defects in which durability and aesthetics matter.

Procedure Steps

Preparation

• Make certain that the destination site is clean, no infection, well-vascularized.
• De-bride necrotic tissue where necessary.
• Prepare the areas of the donor and recipient by anaesthetic procedures using local or general anaesthesia.

Harvesting the Graft

• Mark the recipient defect site with a template having the same defect.
• Take a scalpel or dermatome and remove full thickness skin (epidermis + dermis).
• Make sure there is good hemostasis in the donor site.
• Closure of a donor site should occur mostly, and a small split-thickness graft should be applied in case of necessity.

Preparation of Recipient Site

• Cleanse of any granulation tissue or non-viability tissue.
• Attain hemostasis; too much bleeding may inhibit graft adherence.
• The wound bed is supposed to be well vascularized.

Graft Placement

• Harvested grafts should be placed to the recipient site and in the right orientation.
• Shave back the graft so that it does not hang.
• Staple or sew up the edges of the graft to the rest of the skin.

Dressing Immobilization

• Place a non-adherent dressing.
• Apply pressure dressing (tie-over or bolster) so that the graft is in close contact to prevent the formation of hematoma or seroma below the graft.
• Freeze the area in case it is necessary to avoid shearing forces.

Postoperative Care

• Ensure that the graft is held still during 5-7 days.
• Excessive movement or pressure on the graft site is to be avoided.
• Keep an eye on the possible infection, hematoma or graft failure.
• Take sutures off 7-14 days, depending on site.
• Cover the site with trauma and sunlight until healed.

Full thickness skin graft surgery India

A full thickness skin graft is a medical procedure whereby the full thickness of the skin between epidermis and dermis are cut out of a donor site and transplanted to a portion of the body that requires repair. FTSGs, as compared to split-thickness grafts, contain the entire dermis, which provides superior cosmetic outcomes, decreased contraction and increased durability.

Indications

• Correction of small to medium flaws on the face, hands, neck, or other sensitive parts of the cosmetics.
• Post-excisional tumor coverage, trauma coverage, and chronic wound coverage.
• Where there is little contraction and good texture fit will be needed.
• Imperfections on the joints or on the mobile regions where split-thickness grafts can shorten too much.

Donor Sites

• Postauricular
• Supraclavicular area
• Groin crease
• Inner arm or thigh
• Axilla

The donor skin is selected to conform to the color, feel and thickness of the place that it is donated.

Advantages

• Increased cosmetic result compared to split-thickness grafts.
• Less secondary contraction
• Sturdier and trauma resistant.

Best hospital for full thickness graft India

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket

Full thickness skin graft healing time

The duration of healing of a full thickness skin graft (FTSG) is dependent on recipient site and donor site, the overall health of the patient. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Initial Healing Phase (0–7 days)

• The graft absorbs nutrients of the wound bed by means of plasmatic imbibition during the first 24-48 hours.
• On day 3-5, the graft begins to develop a blood supply, and capillary inosculation takes place.
• A pressure or tie-over dressing is retained to avoid hematoma or seroma which interferes with graft survival.
• It is essential to avoid shearing by means of immobilization.

Early Graft Integration (7-14 days)

• Average time to take away sutures or staples is 7-14 days depending on the location.
• Graft edges start sticking to each other, and the skin that has been grafted can be pink or red.
• Normal tenderness and mild edema.
• Light dressing can start at the recommendation of the surgeons.

Intermediate Healing (2–4 weeks)

• The graft maintains vascularization and epidermalization.
• Areas of secondary intention are likely to heal, no matter how small they are.
• Skin might remain slightly shiny or have a different color with regard to adjacent skin.

Long-term recovery and maturation (1-3 months)

• Complete cosmetic appearance normally takes 1-3 months.
• Pigmentation tends to diffuse with the rest of the skin.
• Minor contracture may take place, however less as compared to split-thickness grafts.
• Up to 6 -12 months, scarring of donor or recipient locations remains a remodeling process.

Factors Affecting Full thickness skin graft cost India

A Full Thickness Skin Graft (FTSG) is a costly surgery in India depending on a number of factors. The main factors that contribute to the price are as follows:

Type of Graft

• Full Thickness Graft (FTSG): Simpler and less costly because it utilizes full dermal layers and advanced surgery skills.

Graft Size and Position

• Bigger grafts or those in tricky anatomies need more time and resources to perform the surgery.

Hospital and City

• Advanced infrastructure and elevated operational costs are likely to make metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurgaon costly.

Surgeon's Expertise

• Professionally trained plastic surgeons can have high prices, which are associated with their experience.

Additional Procedures

• The expenses may be inflated in case of wound debridement surgery, flaps covering, or postoperative physical therapy.

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Care

• Diagnostic procedures, anaesthesia, drugs, and follow-ups make up the total cost.

Conclusion

Full Thickness Skin graft (FTSG) surgery is a surgical procedure applied specifically to heal small to medium skin defects especially in cosmetically sensitive or high mobility regions. It gives better cosmetic effects, stability and a low level of contraction as opposed to split-thickness grafts. The outcome and the recovery of FTSGs are determined by the variables such as the vascularity of the recipient location, correct surgical practice and attentive care given after the surgery. Recovery usually begins with the first-graft take in 37 days and reaches full recovery in 13 months with the remodelling of the scar persisting a year. Altogether, FTSG is a stable and successful reconstructive solution that is more functional and has aesthetics, and that is why this type of reconstructive solution is a better choice among various patients with skin defects.

Full Thickness Grafts in India with GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

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• Complete transparency
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• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
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• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
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FAQ

Who is a candidate for FTSG?

• Patients with small-to-middle skin defects, particularly those located on the face, hands, neck or joints.
• Patients that need cosmetic reconstruction due to trauma, burns, or removal of tumors
• Healthy wound beds and good blood supply in patients.

What is the after-care of the graft site?

• Maintain the immobilization state of the area 5-7 days.
• Prevent trauma, friction or undue motions.
• Observes infection, swelling, or discharge
• Dressing changes and suture removal According to the instructions of a surgeon

How soon can normal functioning be restored?

• Light activity: 1-2 weeks, depending on the location of the graft.
• Complete exercise: 4-6 weeks, once the surgeon clears.