What Are Skin Grafts and Skin Flap Surgery?
Skin Grafts and Skin Flap Surgery are two innovative techniques to treat skin cancer effectively. These procedures are particularly useful for patients with localised skin cancer lesions.
In certain cases, patients may require reconstructive surgery to hide scars or address irregularities resulting from their skin cancer surgery. This is particularly important when the surgery involves removing skin from a noticeable area or a large portion of the skin.
Skin Graft Surgery
Skin cancer skin graft involves the removal of healthy skin from one area of the body and transplanting it to the affected area.
Melanoma skin grafts can be used to treat skin cancer, burns, wounds, and other skin-related issues and allow the repair of the area affected by skin cancer while minimising scarring.
After the procedure, you may experience common symptoms, such as mild pain, swelling, and bruising around the graft site. It’s essential to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Regularly changing dressings and applying topical antibiotics or ointments as prescribed are recommended.
You may also need to elevate the graft site to reduce swelling. Watch for signs of infection, like increased redness, warmth, or pus, and notify your doctor.
Types Of Skin Grafting
- Split-thickness skin graft (SSG) involves the transfer of a thin layer of skin. Typically, in split skin graft, a skin part is taken from a less visible area of the body, like the thighs and back, to cover larger wounds or burn injuries.
- Full-thickness skin Graft (FTSG) involves transplanting the outer and inner layers of skin from a donor site to a target area. It can take skin from the back, chest wall or abdominal wall, and it’s best when the donor site matches the recipient site in thickness, colour and texture for a more beneficial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Skin Flap Surgery
Skin flapping is a procedure that involves the transfer of skin and underlying tissues, including blood vessels, to cover the cancerous site. This method is preferred when the affected area is larger or more complex. Skin flaps offer excellent blood supply, making them ideal for repairing intricate defects.
This procedure is recommended in more complex Skin Cancer cases where the affected area is extensive and is effective for covering large wounds or defects.
Patients will likely have more complex wound care requirements in the aftercare of a skin flapping. They may experience similar symptoms to skin grafts, including pain, swelling, and bruising. As your doctor may instruct, keep the surgical site immobilised as it is important to promote proper healing and take the medicine they prescribed.
Dressings must be changed regularly, and specific care instructions should be followed diligently. Any signs of flap compromise, such as changes in colour, temperature, or blood flow, must be notified to your specialist.
Is A Skin Flap The Same As A Skin Graft?
While Skin Graft and Skin Flap Surgery are both techniques to repair damaged skin from skin cancer, they differ in their approach and application.
Skin grafts involve transplanting only the top layer of skin, while skin flaps consist of skin, underlying tissue, and blood vessels. Skin flaps are more robust and versatile, making them suitable for extensive reconstructions, whereas skin grafts are used for smaller areas or when minimal tissue is required.
Which One Is For You?
Determining whether you require a Skin Graft or Skin Flap Surgery is a decision that should be made in consultation with our experts. Factors like the size of the lesion, its location, and your overall health will influence the recommendation.
At Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic, our experienced specialists will assess your case and recommend the most suitable treatment.
A Mole Check Can Save Your Life
Checking for skin cancer is crucial to early detection and effective treatment. Regularly check your moles and look for any changes in the size, shape, colour, or texture of moles or freckles and any new, unusual growths or spots. Pay attention to any spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal. Using a mirror or the help of a partner can help check areas that are difficult to see on your own.
Remember that regular self-checks and professional skin examinations by a skin specialist are key steps in identifying skin cancer at an early and treatable stage.
If you notice any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to consult one of our medical professionals promptly.
Book an Appointment with Our Skin Specialists in Melbourne.
Contact us and explore your options for skin grafts, facial skin flap surgery and skin flap surgery at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic.
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and personalised treatment plans in skin cancer services to ensure the best possible outcome for your skin condition.
Schedule an appointment with our specialists today.