Original Article

A Research Study Assessing the Acceptance and Aesthetic Results of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts, Determined by The Timing of The Initial Postoperative Dressing

Skin grafting outcome as per timing of dressing.

Abstract

Background: Skin grafting is a procedure designed to restore the integrity of the skin. The primary reasons for skin graft failure include seroma, hematoma, and infection. These complications hinder the graft's adherence and revascularization, raising the risk of graft rejection, especially during the early postoperative period and aesthetic outcome later.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyse graft acceptance and rejection due to seroma or infection, as well as the timing of the first check dressing on the third day compared to the fifth day and assessing the aesthetic outcome.
Methods: A comparative and prospective study was conducted at our institution from June 2023 to July 2025 involving 200 patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) and were divided into two groups. In Group A, the initial postoperative dressing was applied on day 3, while in Group B, it was done on day 5. The second postoperative dressing occurred two days after the first. The skin grafted area was evaluated for incidence of seroma ,infection, the percentage of graft uptake and rejection, using both culture sensitivity testing and clinical observation.
Results: The findings indicated that the average graft uptake in Group A was 88.5%, compared to 81.93% in Group B during the first dressing with better aesthetic outcome in group A. During the second dressing, Group A showed 88.24% and Group B showed 78.03%
Conclusion: Performing the initial postoperative dressing on the third day after skin grafting significantly enhances final graft acceptance and aesthetic outcome.

 

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IssueVol 8 No 3 (2025) QRcode
SectionOriginal Article(s)
Keywords
Split-thickness skin grafting Graft uptake Graft failure Aesthetic outcome Timing postoperative dressing
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How to Cite
1.
sharma abhishek. A Research Study Assessing the Acceptance and Aesthetic Results of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts, Determined by The Timing of The Initial Postoperative Dressing. AJS. 2025;8(3):86-91.