What should you know about skin grafts for burns?

Burn surgery may remove damaged tissue before a graft is placed over the wound. The graft must contact a suitable wound bed and remain supported while it develops a blood supply. The donor area is also a wound and needs its own dressing and review.

Grafting can reduce open-wound problems and support movement, but healing can leave changes in colour, texture, tightness, and sensation. Burns near joints, the face, hands, or other functional areas may need longer-term rehabilitation.

Follow the burn team’s instructions for dressings, medicines, bathing, positioning, nutrition, and therapy. Keep the graft protected from friction and pressure, and do not remove coverings or apply products without guidance.

Attend dressing changes and rehabilitation appointments even when the surface looks improved. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, scar care, and gradual exercises may help preserve movement as the skin heals.

Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial or neck swelling, confusion, severe weakness, or a burn caused by electricity or chemicals. Contact the burn team promptly for fever, worsening pain, spreading redness, foul drainage, bleeding, or graft separation.

Ask what type of graft is planned, how the wound will be prepared, and how both sites will be dressed. Clarify movement restrictions, therapy, pain control, scar care, and which changes require immediate assessment.