Skin grafting is a common method of surgical wound closure. Partial (split) and full-thickness skin grafts are the two main categories of skin grafting, each with their pros and cons. Generally, skin grafting is used when other methods of reconstruction such as primary closure, second-intention healing, or local skin flaps are inappropriate, unavailable, or would produce a suboptimal result. Many people use the term “graft” and “flap” synonymously; these methods of reconstruction are not the same thing. Flaps are designed to contain arteries and veins for perfusion. These ten top tips are designed to guide care of the patient with a skin graft.
