title: Skin grafts.
abstract: In this article, we have reviewed important issues regarding skin graft reconstruction of cutaneous and mucosal defects in the head and neck. Careful attention to surgical technique and immobilization of the grafts during healing lead to more successful reconstructions. Partial-thickness skin grafts lack epidermal appendages. When used for cutaneous reconstruction, they must be protected from desiccation and excessive trauma. Donor site morbidity can be reduced by protection against environmental trauma and excessive sunlight.
authors.affiliation: Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Petruzzelli
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology