Which specialist performs skin graft?

A skin graft uses healthy skin taken from another area to cover a wound. The plastic surgeon assesses the wound bed, selects a suitable donor site and secures the graft so new blood supply can develop. Grafts may be considered after burns, injuries, removal of a lesion or other operations. The surgeon may work with a dermatologist, burns team, trauma team or other specialist who is treating the original wound.

Bring details of the wound, previous operations and any dressings or medicines being used. Tell the surgeon about diabetes, circulation problems, smoking, allergies and medicines that affect bleeding or healing. Ask where the donor skin will come from, how both sites will be dressed, how movement may be limited and what follow-up checks are planned.

Seek urgent medical care for a wound with uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever, severe pain or a foul smell. After grafting, call the treating team if the graft or donor site becomes increasingly dark, swollen, wet or painful, or if a dressing comes loose and exposes the area.

Ask why a graft is recommended, whether another closure method is possible, how the graft will be protected and what signs suggest healing is not progressing. Discuss scar care, bathing, activity and the expected schedule for dressing changes.