Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck?

Question

After bariatric surgery, there is a lot of excess skin that will need to be removed via Tummy Tuck. Can one donate this skin to a burn victim?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

AT some point in the relatively near future this may be possible but there are a few issues at stake, One is economic. To make a biologic product availalble for tranplantation, the tissue must go extensive testing which can be cost prohibitive for a relatively small amount of skin. IF however, mutliple tisses are generated, then the costs may well be worth it as is the case with cadaver donors in which bone, corneas, livers, kidneys, skin, ext can be obtained. However the potential use of fat as a stem cell source may make this a more feasible undertaking.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

That’s a great idea, but at this time there aren’t enough resources to make this logistically possible. Perhaps in the future!

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question!  But, unfortunately, there are only a few centers that can actually process the skin for use as a graft.  My recommendation would be to discuss this option with your surgeon and see what he/she says.

	I hope this helps!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There are companies that use skin from operations for generation of various products.  This is very tightly controlled and only a few surgeons are specified as working with those companies. Random skin donations are not accepted.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Excess skin after body contouring is not currently being used for burn patients due to a combination of HIPAA  (privacy) issues, more cost effective alternatives, and tissue bank regulations.

Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin donation is possible after tummy tuck but under very special circumstances.

Answer: Skin donation is possible after tummy tuck but under very special circumstances.

Answer: Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (9)

Answer: Skin donation is possible after tummy tuck but under very special circumstances.

Answer: Skin donation is possible after tummy tuck but under very special circumstances.

Answer: Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck

Answer: Skin Donation After Tummy Tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.