Skin Grafting

In Fort Worth, TX

Restoring Coverage. Supporting Healing.

Skin Grafting at New Leaf

Some wounds need additional tissue coverage to heal. Skin grafting moves skin from one area to another, with planning that considers the wound, the donor site, and the care both will need.

Skin grafting moves skin from a donor area to cover a wound elsewhere on the body. Both the graft and donor site need care. Wound condition, blood supply, and the structures needing coverage help determine whether a graft is suitable.

Overview / Skin Grafting

What Is Skin Grafting?

Skin grafting is a reconstructive surgical technique used when skin has been lost or damaged beyond the body’s ability to heal effectively on its own. During the procedure, healthy skin is removed from one area of the body, known as the donor site, and transferred to another area known as the recipient site or graft site.

Once placed, the graft must develop a new blood supply and gradually become incorporated into the surrounding tissue. The primary goals of skin grafting are to provide durable wound coverage, reduce the risk of infection, protect underlying structures, improve function, and enhance the overall appearance of the reconstructed area.

Skin grafting may be used for small or large defects depending on the injury, wound, or surgical reconstruction needed. In some cases, it is performed as part of a larger reconstructive plan involving staged wound preparation, wound care, scar management, or additional procedures.

Successful skin grafting depends on several factors, including careful wound preparation, adequate blood supply, proper graft placement, protection during early healing, and consistent post-operative care.

Options / Skin Grafting

Types of Skin Grafts

Several different types of skin grafts are available. The ideal option depends on the location, size, depth, and functional requirements of the area being reconstructed.

Split-Thickness Skin Graft

A split-thickness skin graft includes the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. Because it is thinner, this type of graft is often used for larger wounds. The donor site usually heals by regenerating new skin from the remaining deeper layers.

Split-thickness grafts are commonly used for burns, traumatic wounds, and larger reconstructive defects where broad coverage is needed. They can cover larger areas, but may have more noticeable differences in texture, pigmentation, or contour compared with surrounding skin.

Full-Thickness Skin Graft

A full-thickness skin graft includes the entire epidermis and dermis. These grafts generally provide improved durability, texture, and cosmetic match compared with thinner grafts, depending on the location and donor site selected.

Full-thickness grafts are often used in highly visible or functionally important areas such as the face, hands, neck, and other locations where aesthetics, durability, and tissue quality are especially important.

Composite Graft

A composite graft contains skin along with additional tissue such as cartilage. These grafts are useful when structural support is needed in addition to skin replacement.

Composite grafts may be used in specialized reconstructive situations involving the nose, ear, or other complex anatomical structures. They are selected carefully because they require appropriate blood supply and a suitable recipient site.

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Procedure / Skin Grafting

The Skin Grafting Procedure

Skin grafting may be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the size and complexity of the reconstruction.

The wound or recipient site is carefully prepared
Healthy skin is harvested from the donor site
The graft is trimmed and shaped to fit the defect
In some cases, the graft is meshed to expand coverage
The graft is positioned over the wound
Sutures, staples, or specialized dressings secure the graft in place
Protective dressings are applied to both donor and graft sites

Careful handling of the graft is critical because successful healing depends on establishing a healthy blood supply within the new location. After placement, the graft must remain protected so it can adhere to the wound bed and begin the healing process.

Recovery / Skin Grafting

Recovery After Skin Grafting

Recovery involves healing at both the graft site and donor site. Patients receive detailed instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, dressing changes, and follow-up appointments.

Temporary activity restrictions
Protective dressings over both sites
Avoiding excessive movement or stretching
Monitoring for signs of infection
Regular follow-up visits
Gradual return to normal activities
Scar care once healing is appropriate

The healing timeline varies depending on the size of the graft, location, overall health, and complexity of reconstruction. Protecting the graft during the early healing phase is one of the most important factors contributing to successful graft survival.

Dr. Lovelace will provide detailed instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, dressings, and follow-up care to support optimal healing.

Planning / Skin Grafting

When Is Skin Grafting Recommended?

Skin grafting may be recommended when skin loss is extensive enough that direct closure is not possible or when healing would be prolonged, difficult, or likely to result in poor functional or cosmetic outcomes.

Burn injuries
Traumatic wounds and accidents
Skin cancer reconstruction after tumor removal
Surgical wounds that cannot be closed primarily
Complex infections causing tissue loss
Chronic wounds and ulcers
Areas with exposed soft tissue
Reconstructive procedures following injury or disease
Soft tissue loss after debridement or wound cleaning
Wounds that need durable coverage to support healing

During your consultation, Dr. Lovelace will evaluate the wound, assess surrounding tissue quality, review your medical history, and determine whether skin grafting is the most appropriate reconstructive option.

A thorough evaluation can help determine whether skin grafting, local tissue rearrangement, wound care, or another reconstructive procedure may provide the best outcome.

Before You Decide

Answers for your planning

Risks and Considerations

As with any reconstructive procedure, skin grafting carries potential risks. These vary depending on the complexity of the reconstruction and the patient’s overall health.

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Fluid collection
Delayed healing
Partial or complete graft loss
Color or texture mismatch
Changes in sensation
Donor site complications
Need for additional procedures
Contour irregularity
Persistent wound healing problems

During consultation, Dr. Lovelace will discuss the risks most relevant to your specific situation and explain how careful wound preparation, surgical planning, and post-operative care can help support healing.

How Much Does Skin Grafting Cost?

The cost of skin grafting varies depending on the size and complexity of the reconstruction, anesthesia requirements, facility fees, wound preparation, follow-up care, and the type of graft being performed.

Because many skin grafting procedures are medically necessary reconstructive treatments, insurance coverage may apply. Patients should verify benefits directly with their insurance provider. New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery can provide guidance on the information needed for evaluation and planning.

Financing options through CareCredit® may also be available for qualifying patients.

What Results Can You Expect?

The goal of skin grafting is to provide durable wound coverage while restoring as much function and appearance as possible. Results depend on the wound, the type of graft used, the quality of the recipient site, and how well the graft heals.

Protection of exposed tissues
Improved wound healing
Reduced risk of infection
Restoration of skin coverage
Improved function
Improved appearance compared with an untreated defect
Preservation of important underlying structures
More stable coverage for damaged or missing skin

Final results continue to evolve over time. The graft may initially look different in color, texture, or thickness compared with surrounding skin. As healing progresses, the area typically softens and matures, although some visible difference or scarring is expected.

Scarring After Skin Grafting

Skin grafting creates scars at both the graft site and donor site. The appearance of these scars depends on the type of graft, location, wound size, skin quality, healing response, and post-operative care.

Some grafts may appear lighter, darker, smoother, shinier, or slightly different in texture compared with surrounding skin. Dr. Lovelace will explain what type of appearance is realistic based on your specific reconstruction.

Scar care, sun protection, moisturization, and follow-up visits may be recommended once the area has healed enough for scar management.

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Plan Your Visit in Fort Worth

Meet the practice

Dr. Candis Lovelace, MD, FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her practice includes cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face, as well as reconstructive care.

New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
4400 Heritage Trace Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76244
817-380-1087

The office welcomes patients from Fort Worth and nearby communities, including Keller and Southlake. Contact the practice to plan your visit.

Prepare for your consultation

Bring your goals, relevant medical history, medication list, and questions about alternatives, risks, recovery, and costs. Ask which options are appropriate for you and what help or follow-up you may need.