The skin is the largest single organ.
It provides protection against trauma, radiation, environment, and infection
Thermoregulation (vasodilatation and sweating vs. vasoconstriction and shivering)
Controls insensible fluid losses
Restoration is important to maintain the above functions
The epidermis is the top layer
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin
The hypodermis is the bottom layer of the skin
Skin transplanted from one location to another on the same individual is termed an autograft
These grafts consist of the entire epidermis and a dermal component of variable thickness
The entire thickness of the dermis is included
Higher metabolic needs
Less than the whole thickness of the dermis is included
STSGs are used to resurface large wounds and mucosal deficits, close flap donor sites and line cavities, and resurface muscle flaps
Fragile graft, when placed over the area with little soft tissue support, can contract during healing
The donor site must re-epithelialize, which can be painful and requires wound care
Common sites are the upper anterior and lateral thighs
Good wound preparation helps with graft success
Full circulation is restored to graft in 6-7 days
Hematoma beneath graft, lack of lubrication by sebum produced by glands, lack of nutrition, and poor recipient site (poor vascularity/infection)
Movement of graft and/or excessive pressure/stretching can also cause failure