Skin grafts and donor sites

• A skin graft is a common surgical procedure.
• A section of skin of variable thickness is removed from an uninjured area. This is called the donor site.
• The skin from the donor site is placed on the site of the injury.
• The skin may be removed from other areas of the body. This will be discussed with you prior to the surgery.
• The graft will be secured by either sutures or staples. It will be covered with a dressing for 3-6 days.

Why might you need a skin graft?

A skin graft may be required:

• if the wound is too large to be directly closed
• to hasten healing
• to prevent infection
• to improve physical functioning
• for cosmetic reasons.

Types of skin grafts

• Meshed or sheet grafts are used to cover the site of the injury.
• Meshed grafts are made by passing the donor skin through a machine. The machine cuts small holes in the skin in a meshed pattern. This type of graft is used to expand the surface area of the skin. It allows any fluid build-up to pass through the graft, increasing the probability of the graft taking.
• A sheet graft is often used on the face and hands.
• The surgeon will discuss the type of graft that is suitable for your individual case prior to surgery.

Care of the donor site

• A donor site is an area where the surgeon has taken a layer of skin to create a graft.
• Only a fine layer of skin is taken, so healing should take 7–21 days.
• This may vary depending on the size, area and depth.
• It may also vary based on your age and medical history.
• The nurse will inform you when the dressing will be removed and how to care for the site.
• The dressing will stay in place for 3-6 days after surgery.
• It is important that you follow the instructions given to you during this period.
• If the graft is on a limb (arm or leg) you may be required to elevate it and rest in bed.
• This will help reduce swelling and pain and will help the graft 'take' to the new site.
• This may be required after the initial dressing is removed.

What to eat and drink

• It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet.
• You must drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks (like coffee or cola) during this period of time.
• It is important that you stop smoking.

Using a splint

• A splint may be needed to immobilise (stop) movement of the grafted area if it is over a joint.
• Splints need to be kept in place 24hrs a day until you are advised that they can be removed.
• They may need to be worn after the dressing is removed.
• You will be advised about this and an exercise regime by the physiotherapist on days 4-6 after surgery.

Changing the dressing

• Prior to a dressing being removed you will be given some analgesia (pain relief).
• Your dressing may need to be replaced.

Care of the healed graft and donor site

• After the area is healed you must massage and moisturise the graft and the donor site.
• You should do this 3-4 times every day with a non-perfumed Sorbolene cream.
• The sites need moisture replaced regularly.
• If you don’t do this the wound may break down and further scarring can occur.
• It is vital to protect both areas from the sun for at least 12 months after surgery.
• Always use 30+ SPF sunscreen, sun protective clothing and a hat

Dressings

• You may require dressings after discharge to the graft and/or donor site.
• This may occur in the Burns or Plastics Clinic or by your GP or community health nurse.
• You will then be followed up as an outpatient in the Burns or Plastics clinic.

Occupational therapy

• If you required a skin graft due to a burn, you will be seen by our Occupational Therapist.
• They will discuss options for scar management, for example pressure garments and topical silicone.
• They will also explain and encourage you to continue with massage and moisturiser.

Download a printable brochure on scar management