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Skin Grafts
A skin graft is a procedure where healthy skin is taken from one part of the body and placed over a wound that cannot heal on its own, such as a burn or large injury.
Causes & risk factors
- Deep or large burns
- Large wounds that cannot close on their own
- Wounds after removing skin cancer
- Non-healing ulcers
- Traumatic skin loss
Common symptoms
- A wound too large to heal by itself
- Exposed deeper tissue
- A non-healing ulcer or burn
- Skin loss after injury or surgery
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical wound assessment
- CBC
- Wound swab if infection suspected
Treatment & management
- Preparing the wound so a graft can take
- Taking healthy skin from a donor site
- Placing and securing the graft over the wound
- Careful dressing and wound care
- Preventing infection and monitoring graft healing
- Rehabilitation and scar management
When to see a doctor urgently
- A wound that is not healing over time
- Signs of infection (increasing redness, pus, fever)
- A graft that looks dark, loose or is not healing
- Bleeding or severe pain at the wound or donor site
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about skin grafts. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the skin for a graft taken from?
It is usually taken from an area that can be hidden by clothing, such as the thigh. The donor site heals on its own over a couple of weeks.
How long does a skin graft take to heal?
A graft usually starts to take within a week, with fuller healing over several weeks. Good wound care and rest help it succeed.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.