A patient asks how the raw area left after harvesting a split-thickness skin graft from the anterolateral thigh will heal. What is the correct answer?
- A It requires a second skin graft to the donor site to achieve coverage
- B It heals by re-epithelialization from adnexal structures such as hair follicles and sweat ducts within 7 to 14 days ✓
- C It heals by granulation and contraction over 6 to 8 weeks leaving a full-thickness scar
- D It heals only if the wound is converted to a full-thickness excision and closed primarily
Correct answer: B. It heals by re-epithelialization from adnexal structures such as hair follicles and sweat ducts within 7 to 14 days
Explanation
B split-thickness graft removes epidermis and part of the dermis, leaving behind adnexal remnants such as hair follicle outer root sheaths, sweat gland ducts, and sebaceous ducts whose keratinocytes migrate and resurface the donor site within about 7 to 14 days. Full-thickness donor defects lack these appendages and therefore need direct closure or grafting, which is why full-thickness harvest sites must be planned accordingly.
Reference: Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.