Split-Thickness Skin Grafting

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) refers to a type of widely used skin graft that comprises both the full layer of the epidermis and a part of the dermis. The STSG can be meshed and the meshed type is mainly used to treat big burn or trauma. General STSG, a convenient and effective method that is typically used for skin defects and wound healing. The meshed skin graft take rate is considerably much higher than non meshed skin graft thus operation applying with meshed skin graft can be considered as simple operation without careful consideration for the operation itself. The author would like to introduce thoroughly planned operation for meshed skin graft surgeries to obtain faster wound healing process, with better aesthetical and functional outcomes of surgeries. In cases where mesh skin graft is possible, shortening the wound healing process is a crucial point of the surgery. Therefore, if the mesh ratio is 1:3–4 or higher, the combined use of cultured epithelial cell therapy and dermal substitute to minimize scar contracture is efficient in supplementing the dermis. In this chapter rather than introducing the basic principle or technical aspects of general STSG, a practical components of the procedure that have a great influence on the functional and cosmetic results of surgery, such as the face and hands will be introduced. This work will discuss the considerations and operative results of facial skin graft which remains very controversial among plastic surgeons in terms of whether or not the surgery should be performed. This chapter will introduce author's long accumulated methods for and results of upper and lower lid ectropion correction, which is considered one of the most difficult to achieve in terms of natural and functional recovery. Furthermore, this chapter will highlight the extensive usefulness of STSG, and provide opportunities to expand its scope of usage.