Procurement of dermal graft from the suprapubic or inguinal fold region with primary linear closure.
OBJECTIVE
To report on two cosmetically advantageous sites for the harvesting of dermal grafts. The traditional method of dermal graft harvest using a dermatome may leave an unsightly defect.


METHODS
Thirty-eight dermal grafts were harvested from either the inguinal fold or the suprapubic region. A freehand harvesting technique was used. The patients were all female and were having concurrent temporomandibular joint procedures. The donor sites were monitored for cosmetic result, patient satisfaction, and complications.


RESULTS
All donor site wounds were determined to be cosmetically acceptable. The scars were well placed in anatomic skin folds. One complication, a seroma, was reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Freehand graft harvest with primary closure provides an acceptable defect. The use of this technique in anatomically advantageous areas successfully conceals the resultant scar for heightened cosmesis.
Steinberg
M J
MJ
Section Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood 60153.
Hohn
F I
FI
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*