Article Commentary: Optimizing Aesthetic Results in Skin Grafting

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Hazani ◽  
Ryan Whitney ◽  
Bradon J. Wilhelmi
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Secondary Intention ◽  
Donor Skin ◽  
Aesthetic Results ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Sheet Graft ◽  
Surrounding Skin ◽  
Tissue Defects

The aesthetic goal in skin grafting is to provide a cosmetically pleasing coverage of soft tissue defects while minimizing donor site morbidity. A skin graft should blend well with the color and texture of the surrounding skin, reduce wound size, and not interfere with the function of the reconstructed part. This review examines the key components of choosing the appropriate donor skin for a variety of defects. The decision-making process is based on the anatomic location of the defect; donor site availability; and graft size, thickness, and pigmentation. The aesthetic implications of using a sheet graft versus a meshed graft versus an expanded graft are discussed. Aside from addressing the aesthetic needs of the defect, attention is paid to the functional goals of the reconstructed part and reduced donor site morbidity. Partial graft failure can have significant deleterious effects on the aesthetic outcome of skin grafts. The need for further grafting or healing by secondary intention may result in additional scarring and deformity. Recommendations for improvement in graft take and infection control are presented.

scholarly journals Surgical treatment algorithms for post-burn contractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Hayashida ◽  
Sadanori Akita
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Flap Surgery ◽  
Large Defect ◽  
Treatment Algorithms ◽  
Free Flap Surgery ◽  
Aesthetic Results ◽  
Joint Motions ◽  
Burn Contractures

Abstract Burn contractures produce restrictions in motion and unacceptable aesthetic results, frequently with persistent wounds. Proper planning and tissue selection are essential to minimize donor site morbidity optimizing outcomes. The principle of burn reconstructive surgery requires that the defects after release should be replaced with donor tissues which have matching texture and color as well as enough pliability. Autologous skin grafting or flap surgeries meet these criteria to replace scar tissues and resurface the subsequent to post-released scar defects. Despite the benefits, the use of flaps is often limited in burn patients for many reasons. If a surgeon intends to release completely and reconstruct in one-stage operation, a large defect may result in large donor site morbidity, necessitating flap surgery including free flap surgery. A lot of different methods and procedures are available for resurfacing the defects, and these are reviewed. In this article, algorithms for the release of burn contractures and reconstructive methods are presented. These treatment algorithms should aid in achieving significant improvement in both joint motions and aesthetic deformities.

Primary functional and aesthetic restoration of the fingernail in distal fingertip amputations with the eponychial flap

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 499-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Fakin ◽  
A. Biraima ◽  
H. Klein ◽  
P. Giovanoli ◽  
M. Calcagni
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Reconstruction Technique ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Growth Disturbance ◽  
Nail Deformity ◽  
Simultaneous Reconstruction ◽  
Aesthetic Results ◽  
The Aesthetic

Fingertip injuries often result in fingernail defects. Reconstruction of this structure is important for adequate functional and aesthetic results. This study evaluates the eponychial flap reconstruction technique in 45 fingertip amputations with loss of more than half the fingernail. In 33 cases the procedure was performed in combination with a palmar island flap for pulp reconstruction. Average follow up was 5 months. All eponychial flaps healed uneventfully. In 44 cases, the pulp volume was restored without nail growth disturbance. Five complications (9%) were observed (pain, soft nail, and nail deformity). Only one hook nail deformity required reoperation. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional outcome. We found eponychial flap fingernail reconstruction effective even for injuries proximal to the lunula and have extended the indication for this technique to very proximal fingernail defects. Eponychial flap reconstruction is a simple, safe, and time-effective technique without donor site morbidity. Simultaneous reconstruction of dorsal and palmar injuries should both be performed primarily resulting in the restoration of a satisfying fingertip.

Full Thickness Skin Graft for Nail Unit Reconstruction

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. LAZAR ◽  
P. ABIMELEC ◽  
C. DUMONTIER
Keyword(s):  
Skin Graft ◽  
Simple Procedure ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Malignant Tumour ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Full Thickness ◽  
Full Thickness Skin Graft ◽  
Full Thickness Skin ◽  
Thickness Skin

A retrospective study of 13 patients assessed the use of a full thickness skin graft for nail unit reconstruction after total nail unit removal for nail bed malignancies. No failures of the graft were observed and no patient had recurrence of the malignant tumour at 4 year follow-up. Full thickness skin grafting is a simple procedure which provides a good cosmetic outcome and does not produce significant donor site morbidity.

Preliminary Experience with Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Soft-Tissue Defects of the Foot and Ankle

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick J. Duffy ◽  
James W. Brodsky ◽  
Christian T. Royer
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background: Microsurgical reconstruction has improved limb salvage in patients who because of many etiologies have soft-tissue loss from the lower extremities. Free-tissue transfer to the foot and ankle often interferes with postoperative function and footwear because of the bulk of a muscle flap. The foot and ankle often are best treated using thin flaps that will not contract and fibrose, particularly if secondary procedures are required. We hypothesized that perforator flaps, which are thin free-tissue transfers consisting of skin and subcutaneous tissue, both diminish donor site morbidity and are ideally suited for soft-tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle. Methods: Ten patients had free- tissue transfers to the foot and ankle using perforator flaps during a 2-year period. Four had acute posttraumatic wounds, three had soft tissue defects with exposed hardware or bone graft after reconstructive surgery, and three had large soft-tissue defects after foot infection secondary to diabetes. Nine had reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and one had reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) perforator flap. Results: All flaps survived. There were no deep infections. Three flaps had minor tissue loss requiring subsequent small skin grafts, all of which healed. There were no donor site complications and no interference of muscle function at the donor sites. Custom shoewear was not required to accommodate the flaps. Conclusion: This series highlights the success and utility of perforator flaps in microsurgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle. The greatest advantage of perforator flaps is the diminished donor site morbidity, which was achieved while maintaining high microsurgical success rates. These skin and fat flaps remained pliable and contracted less than muscle flaps, allowing for smooth tendon gliding and easy flap elevation for secondary orthopaedic procedures.

Fractional Skin Harvesting: Device Operational Principles and Deployment Evaluation

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walfre Franco ◽  
Joel N. Jimenez-Lozano ◽  
Joshua Tam ◽  
Martin Purschke ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Fluid Flows ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Skin Tissue ◽  
Hypodermic Needle ◽  
Cutting Geometry ◽  
Tissue Core ◽  
Thickness Skin

As an alternative method to conventional split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs), we recently proposed fractional skin grafting (FSG), which consists in harvesting hundreds of microscopic skin tissue columns (MSTCs) to place them directly into the skin wound (Tam et al., 2013, “Fractional Skin Harvesting: Autologous Skin Graft Without Donor Site Morbidity,” Plast. Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open, 1(6)). This paper (i) introduces the concept and operational principles of a simple but robust fractional skin harvesting (FSH) device and (ii) presents the quantitative evaluation of the deployment of the FSH device with respect to different harvesting-needle sizes. The device utilizes a hypodermic needle with a specific cutting-geometry to core skin tissue mechanically. The tissue core is removed from the donor site into a collecting basket by air and fluid flows. The air flow transports the tissue core, while the fluid flow serves the purpose of lubrication for tissue transport and wetting for tissue preservation. The design and functionality of the device were validated in an animal study conducted to establish preclinical feasibility, safety and efficacy of the proposed FSH device and FSG method. The FSH device, operating at 55.16 kPa (8 psi) gauge pressure and 208 ml/min saline flow rate, cored 800 μm diameter × 2.5 mm length skin columns using a 1.05/0.81 mm outer/inner diameter needle. The MSTC harvesting rate was established by the user at 1 column/sec. For this columns size, about 50 MSTCs are required to cover a 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm wound. In comparison to STSGs, the proposed FSG method results in superior healing outcomes on the donor and wound sites. Most important, the donor site heals without morbidity by remodeling tissue, as opposed to scarring. The FSH device has the capability of extracting full-thickness skin columns while preserving its viability and eliminating the donor site morbidity associated with skin grafting.

scholarly journals Utility of Groin Flap in Penile Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-157
Author(s):  
Ji-An Choi ◽  
Jung-Ha Kwak ◽  
Kwang-Ryeol Lim ◽  
Chung-Min Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Postoperative Patient ◽  
Groin Flap ◽  
Volumetric Reconstruction ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background: Reconstruction surgery for skin and soft tissue defects of the penis would ideally secure sufficient volume, be safe in procedure, and involve a simple surgical technique. Among the wide variety of techniques that have been employed, the groin flap-based technique is considered a relatively simple option for volumetric reconstruction. In this retrospective study, the authors report cases of penile reconstructive surgery using a groin flap.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with penile defects treated in our department. Reconstructive surgeries were carried out using pedicled groin flaps. Charts were reviewed to investigate duration of the surgeries, recovery and follow-up periods, and bulkiness at one and 10 months after surgery. Patients were observed postoperatively for complications, urination, and erectile function.Results: Six patients hospitalized from March 2009 to September 2013 for penile defects underwent surgery in our department. All patients recovered without any flap loss. The most common complication after surgery was wound dehiscence. Circumferences of penile shafts were measured at 1 and 10 months after surgery, and penile bulkiness at rest were found to be maintained at >86%. There were no patients with contracture, and in all patients, urination and erectile functions were satisfactory.Conclusion: Reconstructing penile defects using groin flaps was found to be favorable in terms of volumetric reconstruction and postoperative patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the surgery and recovery periods are short, and rates of complication and donor site morbidity are also low.

scholarly journals Functional and aesthetic outcomes of first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction: a prospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2268
Author(s):  
Sujana Ravada ◽  
Surya Rao Venkata Mahipathy ◽  
Alagar Raja Durairaj ◽  
Narayanamurthy Sundaramurthy ◽  
Anand Prasath Jayachandiran
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Aesthetic Outcome ◽  
Dorsal Metacarpal Artery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Tissue Defects ◽  
First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery

Background: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the thumb, with exposure of tendon, joint or bone, has been a challenging problem. Surgical options include local, regional or free flaps. Here, we have evaluated the functional and aesthetic outcomes of first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) island flap in reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the thumb.Methods: Between January 2018 and January 2019, twenty patients with post-traumatic and post-infective thumb defects underwent FDMA flaps. Sensory function was evaluated with static 2 point discrimination and mobility of the thumb was tested by the Kapandji score. The aesthetic outcome was also assessed.Results: The mean defect size was 39.9×19.95 mm. Eighteen flaps survived completely and one had distal flap necrosis and one had superficial epidermal peeling which was treated conservatively. The mean static two-point discrimination was 9.3 mm. Cortical reorientation was complete in 45%. The average Kapandji score was 7.9. The aesthetic outcome was excellent in ten, good in eight and poor in two subjects. After a mean follow up period of 11.85 months, most patients regained all functions of the thumb and index finger and were pleased with the cosmetic appearance of the flap and donor site.Conclusions: FDMA flap offers a good quality skin cover for small to moderate sized thumb defects. It is a reliable and versatile flap which is sensate and pliable. It gives excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal or no donor site morbidity.

Evaluation of Fingertip Injuries and Modalities of Flap Coverage in the Emergency Settings: A Retrospective Study

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Nasser Mohamed ◽  
AbdelRahman AbdeIAal ◽  
Mina Agaiby Estawrow ◽  
Andrew Adel Wassef Attia
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Maximum Function ◽  
Reconstruction Methods

Abstract Background Fingertip comprises the nail complex and glabrous pulp, which is richly vascularized and innervated, built around the distal phalanx. The fingertip is commonly affected because it is the most distal part of the hand so it's easily to be injured during athletic participation, occupational activities or in accidents. Various fingertip reconstruction methods are reported as healing by secondary intention, shortening and primary closure, skin grafts and flaps. Flaps are considered when there's a big soft tissue loss or an exposed bone. Complications of fingertip reconstructions are common such as flexion deformity and neuroma. Objective In this study, we assessed and compared the outcomes of different modalities of soft tissue covemge using different flap techniques in cases of fingertip injuries as regalding the incidence of neuroma, necrosis, donor site morbidity, joint stiffness and sensory impairment, together with the patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods We analyzed a retrospective cohort study of 90 patients with 96 fingertip injuries who underwent coverage by various flap techniques at Ain Shams University Hospitals in the period between July 2017 and July 2019. Results The V-Y Advancement flap and the Cross-finger flap were the commonest flaps done in 26 cases (27.1%) and 25 cases (26.0%) respectively. There's a highly statistically significance in the incidence of necrosis in abdominal flap (100%) followed by Moberg flap (46.2%). In addition, there is a statistically significance in the incidence of neuroma in Moberg flap (53.8%). Most of patients who underwent coverage by flap technique were very satisfied by the results (60.4%). Conclusion Many techniques have been described for reconstruction of fingertip trauma including revision amputation, skin grafting, local flaps, distant flaps and free flaps. The treatment choice depends on many factors such as patient preference, culture, resources available and surgeon skills. The goals of reconstruction in fingertip amputations are to cover the defect with a satisfactory cosmetic appearance, establish maximum function and preservation of sensation.

scholarly journals The Versatility of Perforator-Based Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Distal Leg and Ankle Defects

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Durga Karki ◽  
R. P. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Peroneal Artery ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Soft Tissue Coverage ◽  
Propeller Flap ◽  
Flap Design

Introduction. Soft tissue coverage of distal leg and ankle region represents a challenge and such defect usually requires a free flap. However, this may lead to considerable donor site morbidity, is time consuming, and needs facility of microsurgery. With the introduction of perforator flap, management of small- and medium-size defects of distal leg and ankle region is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. When local perforator flap is designed as propeller and rotated to 180 degree, donor site is closed primarily and increases reach of flap, thus increasing versatility. Material and Methods. From June 2008 to May 2011, 20 patients were treated with perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects. Flap was based on single perforator of posterior tibial and peroneal artery rotated to 180 degrees. Defect size was from 4 cm × 3.5 cm to 7 cm × 5 cm. Results. One patient developed partial flap necrosis, which was managed with skin grafting. Two patients developed venous congestion, which subsided spontaneously without complications. Small wound dehiscence was present in one patient. Donor site was closed primarily in all patients. Rest of the flaps survived well with good aesthetic results. Conclusion. The perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects is a good option. This flap design is safe and reliable in achieving goals of reconstruction. The technique is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. It provides aesthetically good result.

scholarly journals The Use of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts on Diabetic Foot Ulcerations: A Literature Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brant McCartan ◽  
Thanh Dinh
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Primary Closure ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Skin Grafts ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Thickness Skin

Diabetic foot ulcerations are historically difficult to treat despite advanced therapeutic modalities. There are numerous modalities described in the literature ranging from noninvasive topical wound care to more invasive surgical procedures such as primary closure, skin flaps, and skin grafting. While skin grafting provides faster time to closure with a single treatment compared to traditional topical wound treatments, the potential risks of donor site morbidity and poor wound healing unique to the diabetic state have been cited as a contraindication to its widespread use. In order to garner clarity on this issue, a literature review was undertaken on the use of split-thickness skin grafts on diabetic foot ulcers. Search of electronic databases yielded four studies that reported split-thickness skin grafts as definitive means of closure. In addition, several other studies employed split-thickness skin grafts as an adjunct to a treatment that was only partially successful or used to fill in the donor site of another plastic surgery technique. When used as the primary closure on optimized diabetic foot ulcerations, split-thickness skin grafts are 78% successful at closing 90% of the wound by eight weeks.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document