Skin Graphs: What they Are and How They Are Used

Skin graphs are used all around the world. They are skin treatment procedures that are given to individuals who have a problem with their own skin. Many times these problems result from a health condition or a physical injury such as a burn.

A skin graph basically takes other skin and uses it to replace skin that was damaged for one reason or another. Individuals with a number of the different skin diseases are likely to use have a skin graph done. Skin graphs are performed on individuals who have may have suffered a severe burn or been attacked by a dog or another animal.

The new skin from a skin graph can come from three different places. It is possible for imitation skin to be engineered in a lab or human skin can be taken from another place on their body. Another method currently only used once, but increasing in popularity due to its success is skin transplants.

Skin transplants are highly controversial right now and a number of countries do not agree with the procedure. Skin transplants take a portion of another individuals skin, often after they have passed away, and transfer it to another human being by doing a skin graph. In addition to traditional skin it is also possible for additional body parts to be transferred over.

The traditional skin graph procedure is when real skin is taken from another part of a patient’s body. These types of skin graphs are most commonly done when only a small portion of skin needs to be replaced. These situations may include skin replacement after a skin cancer treatment. The smaller the area of the skin that needs to be replaced the more likely it can be done with real human skin.

When a patient cannot use their own skin for a skin graph it is likely that they will be using skin that was engineered in a lab. This skin is not real skin; however, many scientists are able to make the skin look as real a possible. The type of skin will vary from individual from individual, but the majority of the time the imitation skin used on a skin graph will look somewhat lifelike.

If given the choice many skin graph patients would like to use their own skin for the procedure. Since certain injuries and their sizes may prevent this from happening many skin graph patients have to think of an alternative. With skin transplants still being a fairly new medical procedure many individuals will have to opt for the artificial skin or stay with their skin that may be flawed.

Skin graphs are not only used for cosmetic reasons. Although a skin graph is likely to make damaged skin appear better than it was many people also use it for pain. Skin that is damaged or exposed may be prone to infection. Skin graphs allow this skin to be protected which reduces the likelihood of infection in many skin graph patients.