MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Skin graft

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Skin graft - series: Normal anatomy

Skin graft - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Incision

Procedure

Aftercare

The skin covers the entire body, and acts as a protective barrier. Skin grafts may be recommended for:

extensive wounds
burns
specific surgeries that may require skin grafts for healing to occur.

The most common sites of harvest for skin grafts are the buttocks and inner thigh, areas which are usually hidden and therefore cosmetically less important.

Update Date: 5/3/2007

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.