Scalp skin graft: what to know

A surgeon removes a thin layer of healthy skin from a donor site and places it over a prepared scalp wound. The donor and recipient areas are dressed and checked during healing. A graft can protect exposed tissue and close a defect after injury, surgery, or another cause of skin loss, but it does not recreate the original scalp in every way. A graft may have different colour, texture, thickness, or hair-bearing characteristics from nearby skin.

The surgical plan depends on wound size, depth, location, blood supply, infection status, and whether the scalp bone or deeper tissue is involved. Some wounds need other reconstruction methods. [Skin Graft](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-graft/) explains the broader procedure, while [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) may be discussed later for selected texture or scar concerns, not as a replacement for coverage of an open wound.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, nicotine use, diabetes, allergies, and previous healing problems. Afterward, keep the dressing dry and undisturbed for the time advised, avoid rubbing or picking, and protect the area from pressure. Attend dressing changes so the team can assess whether the graft is adhering and the donor site is healing.

Follow washing, activity, sleeping, and sun-protection instructions closely. Do not put oils, antiseptics, hair products, or home remedies on the graft unless the surgical team approves them. Healing appearance changes over time; the team can explain when scar care, hair restoration, or later cosmetic treatment is appropriate.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, bleeding through the dressing, foul-smelling drainage, fever, spreading redness, worsening swelling, or a graft that becomes dark, pale, loose, or unexpectedly wet. Do not remove a dressing to inspect the area unless instructed. Emergency help is needed for heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Ask why a graft is recommended, what alternatives exist, where donor skin will come from, whether the graft will contain hair, and what scar changes to expect. Clarify dressing care, pain relief, washing, work and exercise restrictions, warning signs, follow-up timing, and whether later procedures may be considered.