What should you know about skin grafting for scars?

A graft may be considered when scarred skin is missing, fragile, contracted, or limiting movement. It covers a prepared wound surface with skin taken from a donor area; the graft itself does not remove every feature of the original injury.

The final appearance depends on the scar, graft type, donor skin, location, colour, texture, and healing. A graft creates a new scar at the donor site and may have a different colour or texture from nearby skin.

During consultation, describe tightness, pain, itching, breakdown, and any movement that is restricted. The surgeon will examine the scar and discuss alternatives such as scar revision or resurfacing when suitable.

After surgery, protect both graft and donor site from rubbing, stretching, and unapproved products. Attend wound reviews and wait for the team’s advice before massage, silicone products, exercise, swimming, or sun exposure.

Call the treating team for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odour, pain, or wound opening at either site. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening swelling, severe illness, or a graft that has been displaced.

Ask why grafting fits your scar, what result is realistic, where the donor skin will come from, and how movement may change. Discuss graft failure, revision needs, wound care, and the expected maturation of both scars.