Injury Lawyers Who Truly Care

What is a skin graft and why might it be necessary?

On Behalf of | Mar 12, 2015 | Brain Injuries

Injuries can happen in a multitude of ways with an almost endless array of results in Roanoke City. One particular injury that can cause long-term damage and substantial pain to the victim – as well as massive medical costs – is a personal injury that requires a skin graft to correct. Knowing the details of a skin graft, when it might be needed, how it’s done, and the dangers with it is important for those who might require it and their families.

A skin graft is performed when a piece of skin is taken from one part of the body and attached to another part that requires it. Patients who receive this surgery will be placed under general anesthetic. The skin that is removed will be healthy. In general, two top layers of skin as well as the layer right underneath it will be removed. This can be from any part of the body, but medical professionals will try to use an area that is usually covered by clothing. The difficulty of the procedure and aftercare will depend on how extensive the graft is.

The skin graft might be necessary after a patient has been admitted to a burn trauma center after there has been skin loss, burns, for cosmetic issues, because of skin cancer, certain surgeries, pressure sores, large skin wounds or if a doctor can’t close a wound effectively. Surgical risks for skin grafts include pain, infections, the grafted skin not healing properly, scars, discolored areas of the skin, uneven surfaces of the skin, lost sensation or increased sensation in the affected areas and bleeding.

When there has been an accident or incident that is believed to be the fault of another and skin grafts are necessary, it can be expensive, time-consuming and painful. Plus there’s no guarantee of a full recovery. Discussing the matter with a legal professional experienced in burns is imperative to being compensated.

Source: nlm.nih.gov, “Skin graft,” accessed on March 9, 2015

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