What is the best way to find a doctor to remove extra skin to donate to burn victims?

Question

I have a lot of extra skin from weight loss surgery from losing over about 190 lbs from gastric I am trying to find an alternate route or cheaper route to having the excess skin removed and actually because I have so much excess skin I would like to donate it to burn victims but I keep hitting a brick wall so is there any information anybody can give me to find a doctor who might be willing to do the procedure cheaper if I donate my extra skin

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your interesting question about donating excess skin to burn victims and exploring cost-effective options for surgery. Congratulations on your incredible weight loss journey—losing 190 lbs is an amazing accomplishment!

Historically, there were programs through organizations like the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF) that facilitated skin donations for burn victims. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, these programs ceased operating about a decade ago. If you find a program that still accepts skin donations, I would love to know, as it’s a noble cause.

For now, your best option is to consult with multiple plastic surgeons, including those affiliated with teaching hospitals or universities. Teaching hospitals often offer lower-cost procedures performed by residents under the supervision of experienced plastic surgeons. This can be a more affordable way to address your concerns while still receiving high-quality care.

When considering cost, it’s essential not to prioritize finding the least expensive option. Selecting an experienced plastic surgeon, especially for a complex procedure like a lower body lift or skin removal surgery, is crucial to minimize complications and the need for costly revisions.

Good luck with your search, and thank you for your thoughtful question. I hope you find a path forward that aligns with your goals and values.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

I would contact a company called Life Cell.  They make a material that can be reused for biological human structural repair.  I hope this helps.
Dr. Dillon

What is the best way to find a doctor to remove extra skin to donate to burn victims?

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What is the best way to find a doctor to remove extra skin to donate to burn victims?

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