Types of Skin Grafts for Burns: What's Your Option?
Burn injury can cause an appearance loss but function and quality of life loss. For the majority of burn patients, grafting is crucial for the healing process. There are two broad categories into which skin grafts fall. Patients should be very conversant with these categories to make the right decisions regarding their treatment options.
What are Skin Grafts?
Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transferring skin from a different area of the body, known as the donor site, to an area that has been damaged by burns or other injuries. The primary goals for skin grafts in patients with burns are healing and restoration of skin integrity, as well as aesthetic outcome. The various kinds of skin grafts are used for different degrees and types of burns.
Types of Skin Grafts Used for Burns
- Autografts: Autografts are regarded as the gold standard for skin grafts in the treatment of burns. It involves taking skin from one part of the patient’s body to another part. In general, it involves less conspicuous sites like the thigh or buttock. The body readily accepts these grafts, with minimal chances of rejection. Autografts can be used to heal the wound faster, and they also have a significantly more natural appearance.
- Allografts: Allografts contain skin that is obtained from a cadaver. These grafts are suitable for a temporary cover of large burns, especially when the patient has an area of extensive skin loss. Though allografts enable wound healing, they will be rejected by the body so that they only serve as a temporary cover.
- Xenografts: These consist of grafts taken from animals, particularly pigs. Similar to allografts, they are a ‘bridging’ device to provide temporary coverage over burn areas and aid in the healing process. They are very useful for patients who are lacking sufficient healthy skin to be used as an autograft. Xenografts will eventually reject, though, and are thus not permanent.
- Synthetic grafts: Synthetic grafts are made of synthetic material. They can be used as temporary coverings for burns. These grafts try to mimic the properties of human skin. They help in protection against sepsis and humidity, and healing. In acute settings, it might be needed for immediate coverage which later may be replaced by another kind of graft or from autografts.
Selection of Proper Type of Skin Graft
Among the factors in the decision-making process for when appropriate types of skin grafts for burns must be determined, include depth and severity of burn, which includes the choice of the graft based on the severity and extent of tissue damage. Autografts are used for severe burns while allografts and xenografts can be allowed to provide initial coverage.
- Location of the Burn: Some areas of the body are more conducive to grafting than others. Burns to the face are generally best treated with full-thickness grafts for the best cosmetic result.
- The availability of donor skin: To a great extent, the kind of graft that will be used will depend on the patient’s overall condition and the availability of donor sites.
- Patient’s preference: Talking over the outcomes and any apprehensions that the patient may have with the surgical team may also steer the course.
Approach Dr. Amit Mulay for Guidance
Understanding the various types of grafts used after burns is essential for patients and their families. Each type has its uses, advantages, and drawbacks. With knowledge of options, patients can make more informed decisions on their treatment plans. Whether autograft, allograft, xenograft, or synthetic, discussing your options with Dr. Amit Mulay ensures the best possible outcomes in your burn recovery. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Cosmetic Surgery and its subspecialties.
He is a renowned consultant performing successful surgeries in various hospitals across Pune and PCMC. He has been an international visiting scholar at the CGM Hospital, Taipei.