Skin Graft Surgery
Plastic Surgery For Burn Victims in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
The consequences of a burn injury can be disastrous for patients. Apart from cosmetic concerns, burns can also cause severe functional impairments to burn victims.
The immediate and accurate burn treatment is critical and typically involves surgical treatments and the right type of wound dressing after the surgery.
What Is Skin Graft Surgery?
Burn injury is a multifactorial disease that requires immediate treatment to avoid possible complications in the future.
Doctors specialized in reconstructive plastic surgery can perform burn defect reconstruction using skin transplant (skin graft), local flaps or tissue expanders, depending on the extent and complexity of the burn injury.
A skin graft is a part of skin removed from an unaffected, healthy body area and transplanted or attached to the burned area to cover the defect. The reason the skin graft is taken from the patient’s own body is to eliminate the risk of transplant rejection.
The most common body sites to take skin grafts are the inner thigh and buttocks, where scars are not easily visible.
What Does Skin Graft Plastic Surgery Involve?
Step 1: Anesthesia
The first procedural step is general anesthesia performed by a certified anesthesiologist.
Step 2: Split-Thickness & Full-Thickness Skin Graft
The plastic surgeon takes healthy tissue from another body area called the donor site. There are many types of skin grafting, such as allograft, mesh graft, autograft, sheet grafts or split thickness autograft (STAG). Some of them are temporary, while others are permanent. The two most common permanent procedures of skin grafting are the below:
- Split-Thickness Skin Graft
The plastic surgeon removes two top skin layers from the epidermis of the donor site, as well as the layer under the epidermis – the dermis.
- Full-Thickness Skin Graft
This skin grafting type is a more complex procedure that requires removal of the whole thickness of skin from the donor site, not only the top two layers. Ideal donor sites for full-thickness skin grafts are the abdominal, back, neck, and chest.
Step 3: Skin Graft Placement
The surgeon transplants the graft on the burned area and sutures it, or staples it, or covers it with a well-padded dressing to hold it in place. A sterile dressing covers the donor site for up to five days.
Recovery After Skin Graft Surgery
Reconstructive plastic surgery for burn victims requires either local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of the procedure. Treatment might need more than one stage to be complete.
Recovery also depends on the extent of the burn injury and the complexity of plastic surgery. For example, patients tend to recover faster after split-thickness skin grafting than full-thickness grafting. Patients who underwent full-thickness skin grafting may need to stay in the hospital for recovery. Light activities can start the next day after split-thickness grafting surgery.
Most patients need to wear a dressing that protects the trauma for a couple of weeks. They should also avoid doing any exercise that can injure or dislodge the skin graft.
Skincare and sun protection are necessary during the healing period.
What our patients say!
Rhinoplasty. Dr. Stavrou did an excellent job with my nose, the results are incredible, as good as the ones he has posted on his social pages. I had no pain after the surgery, no complications, everything went smoothly. The recovery was very fast, like 3 weeks. Dr. Stavrou was very kind and professional, I felt very comfortable with him and his team. I trusted him since the first meeting. I highly recommend him to everyone.
Natalie ArsalideApril 18, 2022.Dr.Stavrou goes above and beyond to be helpful throughout the whole experience. Overall I am very happy with my results as it is everything I envisioned and more.
Roberta MifsudMarch 24, 2022.Edit: I thought I'd add to my review after 1+ year post operation! I got my nose done by Dr Stavrou 27 months ago. The results are beyond excellent and I couldn't ask for better service from the doctor and the team! For anyone who's wondering, almost all of the swelling and bruising was gone after 2 weeks and my nose currently looks like it did about a month after the operation. I highly recommend him!! Old review: Today is the 10th day after my rhinoplasty with Dr Stavrou. Dr Stavrou operated on me following a functional rhinoplasty performed by my otolaryngologist. It was a painless experience and the results have exceeded my expectations! It hasn't affected my daily activities apart from the fact that I was not allowed to work out excessively. The swelling and bruising has almost disappeared completely. The results are excellent and I finally have a nose that complements my face. Not to mention the entire team was very helpful! Thank you so much Dr Stavrou!
Christina KakoulliMarch 4, 2022.Ήθελα εδώ και χρόνια να κάνω μείωση στήθους και η αλήθεια δεν το τολμούσα. Είχα ακούσει τα καλύτερα λόγια για τον Δρ. Δημήτρη Σταύρου και το αποφάσισα. Είναι ένας εξαιρετικός γιατρός αφοσιωμένος στην δουλειά του και με επαγγελματισμό σου δίνει το καλύτερο αποτέλεσμα. Για μένα το αποτέλεσμα είναι ένα μικρό θαύμα νιώθω υπέροχα! Γιατρέ σ' ευχαριστώ πολύ για το άψογο αποτέλεσμα. Εύχομαι καλή συνέχεια και με την καταπληκτική σου δουλειά να κάνεις χαρούμενους ανθρώπους.
Demetra DemetriouFebruary 7, 2022.After years of not feeling so confident , due to my breast size I met Dr. Stavrou and from my first consultation I knew he was the right doctor for my procedure. Totally calm and assertive , he guided me to the correct choice, resulting in a perfect outcome making me feel not only extremely confident now but also natural ! I highly recommend him to any women who is facing similar issues. Dr Stavrou thank you once again !!
Tekla MadarJanuary 23, 2022.Η περίπτωση μου ήταν λιγότερο συχνή και διαφορετική από αυτές που ακούμε στην καθημερινότητά μας. Μεγάλες αυξομειώσεις βάρους (40-50 κιλά) μετά από δύο βαριατρικές επεμβάσεις για αντιμετώπιση της νοσογόνου παχυσαρκίας, με αποτέλεσμα την υπερβολική χαλάρωση του δέρματος σε πολλά σημεία του σώματος. Είχα την τύχη να ακούσω για το Δρ. Σταύρου από φιλικά άτομα, και όταν αποφάσισα να επισκεφτώ πλαστικό χειρούργο ήταν ο πρώτος που πήγα και εκεί άκουσα και έμαθα για το body contouring. Ακολούθησαν πολλά ραντεβού, άπειρες ερωτήσεις, απορίες και φόβος από την πλευρά μου. Όλες οι απαντήσεις του Δρ. Σταύρου άμεσες και ειλικρινείς, ακόμα και αυτές που δε μιλούσαν για βελτίωση όπως ήθελα να ακούσω! Καμιά απάντηση δε δόθηκε απλά για να μου «χαϊδέψει» τα αυτιά. Ο ίδιος με παρότρυνε να επισκεφτώ και άλλους πλαστικούς για να ακούσω και άλλες γνώμες. Τελικά, ήταν ο μόνος που με έπεισε, ο μόνος που μπορούσε να καθησυχάσει το φόβο, το άγχος και την αγωνία μου και ο μόνος που είχε απάντηση σε ότι τον ρωτούσα και έτσι ακολούθησα το ένστικτό μου και επέλεξα τον Δρ. Σταύρου για να προχωρήσουμε μαζί σε όλο αυτό που αποφάσισα να κάνω. Ήξερα από την αρχή ότι τα χειρουργεία θα ήταν πολύωρα και αυτό με φόβιζε περισσότερο αλλά ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που με την ηρεμία του με καθησύχαζε. Σε περίοδο έξι μηνών υποβλήθηκα σε δύο πολύωρα χειρουργεία. Η μετεγχειρητική μου πορεία και στις δύο επεμβάσεις ήταν η καλύτερη δυνατή και η ανάρρωση πολύ πιο εύκολη από όσο περίμενα και από όσο προετοιμάστηκα ψυχολογικά να αντέξω. Όλα όσα μου είπε ο Δρ. Σταύρου για τη μετεγχειρητική πορεία, τον πόνο και την ταλαιπωρία, δεν ειπώθηκαν απλά για να με «παρηγορήσουν» να μη φοβάμαι και να μην ανησυχώ. Ήταν όλα ειλικρινή και αντικειμενικά. Όπως ακριβώς μου τα περιέγραψε, έτσι ακριβώς έγιναν. Ακόμα και στα θέματα που αφορούσαν τη ψυχολογία μου ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που ήρεμος, μετρημένος και χαμογελαστός με καθησύχαζε. Γιατί όταν ένα άτομο μπαίνει στη διαδικασία να αρχίσει κάτι τόσο σημαντικό, δε μετράει μόνο το να είσαι άψογος σαν επαγγελματίας απέναντί του, αλλά και το να γνωρίζεις τη ψυχολογία του ασθενή σου ανάλογα με την κάθε περίπτωση και ο Δρ. Σταύρου κατέχει την πρώτη θέση και στα δύο!! Αισθάνομαι τυχερή που επέλεξα να εμπιστευτώ στα χέρια του γιατρού Δρ. Σταύρου την αποκατάσταση του σώματός μου και που ο φόβος δεν με απέτρεψε από το να αποφασίσω να κάνω όλα όσα η περίπτωσή μου απαιτούσε, ώστε να έχω το καλύτερο δυνατό αποτέλεσμα. Θα ήταν άδικο αν ο φόβος και η ανησυχία για τα πολύωρα χειρουργεία, τον πόνο και την ανάρρωση δε με άφηναν να έχω κάτι καλύτερο. Γιατρέ μου σε ευχαριστώ για όλα! Συνέχισε το λειτούργημα που κάνεις με τον ίδιο ακριβώς τρόπο που το κάνεις γιατί είναι σπάνια και μεγάλη αρετή να έχεις την ικανότητα και τη δύναμη να χαρίζεις τόσα πολλά χαμόγελα στους ανθρώπους!
Chryso ΚJanuary 22, 2022.I empiria mou me tin epemvasi rinoplastikis itan arketa kali..to apotelesma mou einai ekseretiko aksizi ton kopo!! o giatros mu poli kalos kai eksipiretiko olo to prosopiko! Den ixa kanena idietero pono oute taleporia mono 2-3 meres imun pio prosektiki meta itan ola mia xara, stin evdomada ekana oles tis kathimerines drastiriotites pu ekana kai prin..aksizi ton kopo kai me to parapano tha to ksanakana!!🙂
eleni tirimouJanuary 21, 2022.
Where Will Skin Grafting for Burns Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs reconstructive plastic surgery for burn victims in accredited medical centers in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and Malta (Sliema).
The procedure takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses the most advanced medical equipment for reconstructive plastic surgery. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in reconstructive procedures. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for all of his patients.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualized health care in an exclusive and luxurious environment.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
FAQs for Burn Surgery
How long does skin graft surgery take?
The duration of skin graft surgery depends on the type of the procedure and the extent of the burn injury.
Split-thickness skin grafting might take less than an hour, but full-thickness grafting lasts longer and may also require spending one or more nights at the hospital.
Is skin graft a major surgery?
Indeed, skin graft surgery is a major procedure with potential risks and complications.
It should only be performed by skilled, experienced, board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeons.
Patients can lower the risk of complications by precisely following their surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
Is a skin graft painful?
Patients do not feel any pain during the skin graft surgery as they have received local or general anesthesia.
Pain and discomfort are natural after the surgery, but they can be fully controlled with pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
Do skin grafts leave scars?
Yes, skin grafting leaves two scars: the scar from the donor site and the scar where the skin graft has been transplanted.
If the donor site was the buttocks or inner thigh, scarring in these areas will be hardly noticeable.
An experienced plastic surgeon can minimize the look of scars and ensure a safe burn surgery.
Which type of burn injury requires skin grafting?
Second and third-degree burn injuries and full-thickness burns require skin graft surgery to replace scarred tissue and help the skin heal.
Second-degree burns affect the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, while third-degree burns can also damage muscles, tendons, nerve endings and bones. In these cases, skin grafts can be transplanted into the injured areas over the surgically-cleaned wound to help it heal.
A first-degree or superficial burn may heal naturally, but that depends on the patient’s overall medical condition.
What is skin grafting used for?
Skin grafting can be used in the following cases:
- Burn injuries
- For cosmetic reasons in areas where the skin was damaged
- Infections that cause skin loss
- Large wounds
- Skin cancer treatment
- Venous, pressure or diabetic ulcers difficult to heal
Are skin grafts an outpatient procedure?
Patients who had split-thickness grafting surgery can leave the hospital on the same day.
However, full-thickness skin grafting may require patients to stay in the hospital for recovery. That depends on the extent and complexity of the skin grafting.
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