Skin Grafting and Principles of Flaps

Unit 1: Skin Grafts - Theory
This unit provides a solid foundation in the principles of skin grafting. Learn about the differences between full-thickness and split-thickness grafts, their applications, and the stages of graft survival, from initial vascular integration to long-term healing. Gain insights into patient preparation, including considerations for vascular health, smoking cessation, and post-surgical care. The session highlights the importance of surgical planning to ensure optimal outcomes in graft survival and cosmesis.

Unit 2: Skin Grafts - Practical Application
Delve into the hands-on process of performing skin grafts, from lesion excision to suturing donor tissue into defects. This unit emphasises precision in measuring and selecting donor tissue, achieving hemostasis, and employing suturing techniques like the basting suture to secure grafts. Step-by-step demonstrations cover grafting for various scenarios, including challenging locations like the ear, and explain how to address complications such as hematomas and graft shrinkage. Practical exercises enable participants to refine their surgical skills.

Unit 3: Skin Grafts - Advanced Techniques and Considerations
Explore advanced techniques in skin grafting, focusing on split skin grafts for larger defects and areas with compromised blood supply. This unit covers donor site selection, harvesting techniques, and post-surgical dressing strategies to enhance graft adherence and healing. Gain an understanding of when to avoid split grafts, such as in cosmetically sensitive areas or where tissue contraction could impair function. The session also addresses managing grafts in patients with compromised circulation and the importance of precise measurement and planning for long-term success.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate advanced skin grafting and flap techniques into their practice, improving patient outcomes and procedural confidence.