Reconstructing skin defects using skin grafts or flap plasty
The key facts
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How does skin defect reconstruction with skin grafts or flap plasty work?
Following the surgical removal of tumours or other surgical procedures, skin defects may occur that cannot be closed by stitching the edges of the wound together with simple sutures.
Depending on the size and location of the skin defect, we select the most appropriate technique to preserve both the function and appearance of the affected area as effectively as possible.
In cases of superficial skin defects or areas with low tissue thickness, a skin graft is often a suitable method for closing the wound.
About the treatment
Skin is gently removed from inconspicuous areas, such as behind the ear, on the neck or on the thighs.
For procedures performed on the face, it is particularly advantageous (both in functional and cosmetic terms) to use tissue of a similar texture and thickness. If coverage from the surrounding area is not possible, a procedure called transposition flap plasty is used. There are various types of flap surgery, which are selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the size and location of the defect.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, treatment can be carried out under local anaesthetic, twilight sedation or general anaesthetic – tailored individually to your needs and the procedure.
Typical areas of application
- After tumour removal (e.g. skin cancer) with skin defects
- For accident-related tissue loss or deep wounds
- For chronic wounds, e.g. due to circulatory disorders
- For scar correction in cases of functional impairment
- To cover skin defects on the face or exposed areas of the body
- For burn injuries involving skin loss
- Reconstructive procedures following surgery
When is it recommended?
- When primary wound closure is not possible
- In cases of functional limitation due to skin loss
- When aesthetically pleasing results are desired
- For larger or conspicuously located defects, e.g. on the face
- If surrounding tissue is insufficient → transposition flap plasty
"From diagnosis to surgical intervention to scar treatment—we handle everything under one roof."
FAQs
What will help my skin graft to heal well?
In order for the skin graft to take successfully, the wound bed needs to be well supplied with blood. This means that the tissue beneath the graft needs to have a good blood supply, because the graft itself does not have its own blood supply. This is the only way to supply the graft with the important nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow in healthily. It is also important to keep the wound clean and avoid putting pressure on it so that it heals as well as possible.
Should I expect multiple operations?
In some cases, several procedures are required at set intervals in order to achieve the best possible results.
Can scars become invisible after treatment?
With modern surgical methods, scars can often be kept very small and inconspicuous. Particularly on the face, we take care to close the wound in such a way that the scar becomes as close to invisible as possible. However, this will never be completely invisible, since the body forms new tissue at the treated site. With good wound care and, if necessary, complementary treatments such as scar ointments or laser therapy, the appearance of the scar can be significantly improved.
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