How do I prepare for a split thickness skin graft?
You will be given a general, regional, or local anesthetic. The general anesthetic puts you to sleep and keeps you from feeling pain. The regional or local anesthetic numbs the area while you remain awake. The surgeon will clean the wound and remove any dead or damaged tissue. The surgeon will select a place on the body for removal of a piece of skin (such as the front or outside of one of the upper thighs). This is called the donor site. The surgeon will place the skin onto the wound and keep it in place using stitches, staples, or pads. The skin will be covered with a secure bandage. A splint may be placed around the bandage to make sure nothing bothers the area. The donor site will be covered with a special plastic bandage to prevent pain and to prevent tissue fluid from leaking. Expect some fluid to collect under the bandage.
