Comparative study of split thickness skin grafts taken from the scalp and thigh in children

Reconstruction of a distal extremity defect using a temporoparietal fascia flap covered with a split-thickness skin graft harvested from the scalp: a cosmetic consideration in donor site selection

“…The scalp, which is the donor area for the temporoparietal fascia flap, is a useful donor site for split-thickness skin grafts. [11][12][13][14] It has been observed that partial thickness defects of the scalp heal quickly. Re-epithelization depends on proliferation and migration of epidermal elements within the dermis, especially those lining the hair follicles, which are present quite densely in the scalp.…”

“…[11][12][13][14][15] It has been reported that alopecia can occur as a complication of skin graft harvesting from the scalp in 0 to 10% of the cases. This is mostly related to improper harvesting of the graft.…”

“…This is mostly related to improper harvesting of the graft. [11,13] The rate of postoperative folliculitis has been reported to be 2%, [11] and when it occurs, it can be treated with local wound care. The rate of postoperative scar formation is extremely low and is usually due to uneven harvesting of the graft, with some areas being too thick.…”

“…Repeated harvesting of the skin graft from the scalp is not advised since it can be a cause of an increase in complication rates. [13] The use of saline infiltration in the subgaleal plane provides a good contour and appropriate tension for a simpler and more accurate skin graft harvest. Since the size of the skin graft that is harvested for coverage of the flap is relatively small, excessive bleeding is usually not noted, and there is usually no need to provide special applications such as epinephrine or thrombin solutions to the donor site.…”

Ten years later – scalp still a primary donor site in children

“…Following the experience of others, although presented in a limited number of publications [1,[4][5][6]8,[10][11][12][13]16,18,19], in conjunction with our own dissatisfaction when using alternative donor sites, we decided to select the scalp to be the primary donor site for our patients. We also decided to introduce early contact therapy for scar therapy/prevention.…”