Interchangeable skin grafting to camouflage self-inflicted wound scars on the dorsal and volar forearm: a case report.
Scars from self-inflicted wounds to the upper extremities are the hallmark of self-mutilation. They are easy to recognize and difficult to hide. Camouflaging these scars can be an onerous task. In this case study, a 23-year-old woman who has major depressive disorder with comorbid borderline personality disorder presented for scar repair of self-inflicted wounds on the volar and dorsal forearm (each approximately 10 cm2 x 15 cm2). Following a psychological and physical evaluation, split-thickness skin grafts (10/1,000 inches in thickness) were obtained from both areas and switched. The grafts were fixed with staples, immobilized with a short arm splint, and dressed daily with gauze and neomycin ointment. Staples were removed after 10 days; at the 6-month follow up, the wounds resembled burn wound scars. The patient was satisfied with this more socially acceptable result. This method might offer a simple camouflage option in appropriately selected cases.
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China; and Department of Surgery, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Twoyuan, Republic of China.
Chang-Yi
CY
Chou
Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China.
Hsin An
HA
Chang
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China.
Hao-Yu
HY
Chiao
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China.
Chi-Yu
CY
Wang
Department of Family and Community Health, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China.
Yu-Shan
YS
Sun
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China.
Shyi-Gen
SG
Chen
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Republic of China; email: super-derrick@yahoo.com.tw.
Chih-Hsin
CH
Wang
D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries; D006801:Humans; D012652:Self Mutilation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D055815:Young Adult