Harvesting the Thin Epidermal Graft

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This video demonstrates the technique of harvesting a thin epidermal graft.

Technique

• Prepare donor site by infusion with saline to facilitate harvesting
  
• Harvest a thin epidermal graft 0.004-0.006 inches (0.1016 - 0.1524 millimeters)
  
• Grafts thinner than 0.004 inches may result in incomplete "take" as few live epidermal cells are transferred
  
• Grafts thicker than 0.008 inches are more likely to leave a residual meshed appearance. Grafts may be meshed and expanded up to 5:1.
  
• Ensure adequate coverage with large gaps

Benefits

• Less severe donor site which heals faster and can be harvested more frequently
  
• Minimal scarring of donor site
  

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