Compared with a split-thickness skin graft, a full-thickness skin graft used for reconstruction of a facial defect offers which advantage?

• A Higher probability of take on a poorly vascularized recipient bed
• B Greater ability to survive over exposed cortical bone
• C Faster donor site healing because no dressing is required
• D Less primary contraction and superior color and texture match ✓

Explanation

Full-thickness grafts include the entire dermis, so they undergo far less secondary contraction, resist later distortion, and give better color, texture and durability, which suits facial reconstruction. Their thicker composition demands a well-vascularized bed and makes take less reliable than a thin split-thickness graft. Donor sites need primary closure and heal slower, and neither graft reliably survives bare bone without periosteum.

Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.