1. Wound Healing After Fractional Skin Harvesting
- Author
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Amanda H, Champlain, Catherine M, DiGiorgio, David, Zurakowski, Fernanda H, Sakamoto, and R Rox, Anderson
- Subjects
Cicatrix ,Wound Healing ,Humans ,Pain ,Surgery ,Skin Transplantation ,Dermatology ,General Medicine ,Burns ,Skin - Abstract
Autologous fractional full-thickness skin grafting is a method of harvesting full-thickness skin with reduced donor site morbidity compared with conventional skin grafting.To demonstrate that full-thickness skin microbiopsies can be harvested with minimal scarring or complications.In a nonrandomized, self-controlled, pilot trial, subjects ( n = 8) underwent tissue harvesting of full-thickness skin columns of 200, 400, 500, 600, 800 μm, 1, and 2 mm diameters. The extent of scarring was measured by using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and blinded evaluation of photographs at 6 weeks postprocedure. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and side effects were recorded.When present, scars were first observed after 2 to 4 weeks, much more often for wounds400 μm ( p.001). Blinded dermatologists increasingly identified clinical scarring on photographs with larger harvested microcolumn diameters ( p.001). Median VAS pain score was 0 (range 0-4). All subjects rated the procedure safe and tolerable.Harvesting full-thickness skin microcolumns is well-tolerated over a wide range of column diameters. At diameters of less than 500 μm, side effects including scarring are minimal.
- Published
- 2022
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