Split-thickness Skin Graft on the Face from the Medial Arm Skin

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Full-thickness skin grafts are usually used in facial reconstruction, but on occasion, split-thickness skin graft is also used from the scalp due to the limitation of donor site. However, there were complications, such as alopecia, folliculitis and blood loss. In addition, it can not be used in patients with baldness. Under the circumstances, we used medial arm skin as split-thickness skin graft donor site in lieu of scalp. We investigated the efficacy of the medial arm skin as a donor site of facial skin graft in comparison with scalp. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, the split-thicknesss skin grafts were performed using the medial arm skin in 10 patients and the scalp in 10 patients. We inspected the skin color match, texture match by the visual analogue scale. Scar contracture was estimated by the Visitrak grade(R)(Smith & Nephew). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: There was a more satisfaction in color match, texture, and scar contracture in medial arm skin than in scalp. CONCLUSION: According to these results, medial arm skin may be used efficiently as an alternative donor site of scalp in the facial reconstruction.