Skin grafts

• Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff.

• Fasting:

• No solid food for 6 hours before surgery

• No clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery

• Most chronic medications may be taken, except diabetic medication (to be discussed with your doctor).

• Inform your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medication.

• Smoking should ideally be stopped before surgery, as it significantly affects graft healing.

Skin grafting is usually performed under general anaesthesia. After the graft is applied, firm dressings are placed to protect the graft. You will receive detailed post-operative instructions before leaving theatre or recovery.

Skin grafting is performed when a wound is unable to heal on its own.

• Damaged or non-viable tissue is removed from the wound.

• A thin layer of healthy skin is harvested from a donor site (commonly the thigh).

• The graft may be applied as a sheet or meshed to allow drainage and expansion.

• The graft is secured in place and covered with specialised dressings.

• The donor site is dressed and allowed to heal separately.

In some cases, negative-pressure (VAC) dressings are used to improve graft take.

The procedure usually takes 60–120 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the wound

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Partial or complete graft failure

• Delayed wound healing

• Scarring or colour mismatch

• Pain at the donor or graft site

• Unintended damage to surrounding structures

• Need for repeat grafting or further surgery

• Complications are uncommon. Contact the rooms immediately if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, fever, or a foul smell from the wound.

Hospital stay varies depending on graft size and location:

• Small grafts: 1–3 days

• Larger or complex grafts: longer admission may be required