✦ Skin Graft / Local Flap Reconstruction

Skin Graft / Local Flap Reconstruction

Q: What is the difference between a skin graft and a flap?

A skin graft is detached skin transplanted to the defect, relying on the wound bed for blood supply. A flap is moved with its own blood supply intact, offering better tissue match and durability for complex sites.

Q: How is the donor site cared for?

Split-thickness graft donor sites heal in 10–14 days with non-stick dressings. Full-thickness donor sites are closed with sutures and heal like a routine surgical wound, leaving a thin linear scar.

Q: Will the graft 'take'?

Most grafts take well (>90%) on healthy wound beds. Smoking, infection, movement, and poor vascularity can compromise take. Bolster dressings, antibiotics, and limb elevation maximise success rates.

Q: How long until I see the final result?

Initial healing takes 2–3 weeks. Final colour, texture, and contour evolve over 6–12 months. Scar massage, sun protection, and silicone gels all support optimal aesthetic outcomes.

Reconstructive techniques to close defects after cancer excision or trauma — using skin grafts or rotational flaps to restore form and function.

60–180 min PROCEDURE

1–3 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

3–6 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Skin Graft / Local Flap Reconstruction?

Skin graft and local flap reconstruction are techniques used to close defects that cannot be closed primarily — typically after wide excision of skin cancers, trauma, or chronic wounds. A split-thickness or full-thickness skin graft is harvested from a donor site and applied to the defect, while a local flap mobilises adjacent skin with its blood supply to cover the wound. Dr. Abhishek performs both at Lux Hospitals to restore form and function with the best possible cosmetic outcome after tumour excision or wound coverage.

How the Procedure Works

Defect Assessment

The defect's size, depth, and location are evaluated to choose between graft or flap reconstruction.

Wound Bed Preparation

The recipient site is debrided and prepared to ensure good vascularity and a clean base.

Graft Harvest or Flap Design

A split/full-thickness graft is harvested, or a local flap is designed and elevated with its blood supply.

Inset and Fixation

The graft or flap is sutured into place with careful tension; bolster dressings or tie-over are applied.

Donor Site Closure

The donor site is closed primarily (full-thickness) or dressed for re-epithelialisation (split-thickness).

Outcomes

60–180 minDURATION

1–3 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Restores skin coverage when primary closure isn't possible
→Local flaps offer excellent colour and texture match
→Preserves function in mobile or contoured areas like face and hands
→Skin grafts provide rapid coverage for large or contaminated defects
→Allows immediate reconstruction after cancer excision
→Improves cosmetic outcome compared to healing by secondary intention

Reconstruction is what turns a cancer operation into a healed result. The right choice between graft and flap, made after thinking through colour match, function, and donor site morbidity, is what gives patients the best long-term outcome.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a skin graft and a flap?+

How is the donor site cared for?+

Will the graft 'take'?+

How long until I see the final result?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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