I am 8 weeks post op my first procedure and 3 weeks post op my surgical debridement. I just had my wound vac removed and the next decision is whether to have a third op, skin graft, or to just let it heal up naturally. What are the pros and cons of a skin graft? And is it bad for your body to go under general anaesthetic 3 times within 8 weeks?
September 16, 2018
Answer: Skin graft versus delayed healing I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. This is an excellent question. The benefit of a skin graft is that is closes the wound more quickly, however the wound will undergo some degree of "contracture" leading to a tightened appearance of the wound. Additionally there will be a "donor site" meaning that the skin to close the current wound will need to come from another place and cause an incision elsewhere. Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!
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September 16, 2018
Answer: Skin graft versus delayed healing I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. This is an excellent question. The benefit of a skin graft is that is closes the wound more quickly, however the wound will undergo some degree of "contracture" leading to a tightened appearance of the wound. Additionally there will be a "donor site" meaning that the skin to close the current wound will need to come from another place and cause an incision elsewhere. Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!
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Answer: Pros and cons of skin grafts vs natural healing Hello and thank you for your question and photo. I’m sorry you are facing this concern. A skin graft can close the wound and shorten your healing time; however, it could lead to more visible scarring, and it will also leave scarring at the donor site, where the skin for the graft is obtained. Allowing the wound to heal naturally will take longer but will minimize scarring around the wound and will not require a graft to be taken. Ultimately, you must decide which is the best option with the advice of your board-certified plastic surgeon after having a full, in-person examination. While a third procedure under general anesthesia will pose some additional risks, these risks remain small. Follow up with your surgeon as soon as possible. Good luck!
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Answer: Pros and cons of skin grafts vs natural healing Hello and thank you for your question and photo. I’m sorry you are facing this concern. A skin graft can close the wound and shorten your healing time; however, it could lead to more visible scarring, and it will also leave scarring at the donor site, where the skin for the graft is obtained. Allowing the wound to heal naturally will take longer but will minimize scarring around the wound and will not require a graft to be taken. Ultimately, you must decide which is the best option with the advice of your board-certified plastic surgeon after having a full, in-person examination. While a third procedure under general anesthesia will pose some additional risks, these risks remain small. Follow up with your surgeon as soon as possible. Good luck!
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