How effective is skin graft for burn scars?

The procedure places healthy skin over an area that cannot close or has a restrictive scar. It may protect tissue and improve movement when scar bands cross a joint. The graft may come from another body site, so both graft and donor sites need care.

Grafted skin can differ in colour or texture and may contract while healing. It may not remove itch, tightness or sensitivity. Rehabilitation, pressure therapy or later scar procedures may be included.

Discuss whether the goal is wound coverage, movement, comfort or appearance. Share medicines and conditions that affect healing. Keep dressings dry as directed, avoid rubbing or stretching the graft and attend reviews. Once healed, moisturising, sun protection and prescribed therapy can help it settle.

Contact the surgical team if the graft becomes dusky, pale, increasingly swollen, foul-smelling or painful, or if dressings become soaked. Fever, spreading redness, pus, wound separation or sudden loss of movement needs assessment.

Ask what outcome is realistic, where donor skin will come from, how movement therapy will be arranged and whether further scar treatment may be needed.