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Dermagraft® vs. Skin Graft

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is composed of two layers: the outer layer or epidermis and the inner layer or dermis. The skin has many important functions and restoration of its integrity is vital.

  1. When Wound Healing Is Not Sufficient

    • Large wounds, chronic (non-healing) wounds and burns often require medical help to restore the skin's integrity. Grafts are used to cover the wound and accelerate the healing process.

    Skin Grafts

    • Skin is taken from an undamaged area of the body and placed over the wound. There are two forms of skin grafts: split thickness and full thickness. The choice of skin graft depends on location, size and condition of the wound and the final appearance. The donor site where the graft is removed heals either naturally or is sutured.

    Split Thickness Skin Grafts

    • This type of skin graft contain little or no dermis and are more tolerant to less-than-ideal wound conditions. They have a larger clinical application but can heal with contractures.

    Full Thickness Skin Grafts

    • These grafts contain more dermis and when they have been integrated provide a better overall appearance. Full thickness skin grafts are prone to less contraction and are therefore useful for the face and for placement over joints. However, they require vascularization and are more prone to failure.

    Dermagraft®

    • Dermagraft® is a biological substitute for skin grafts and is composed of human neonatal fibroblasts which are seeded onto an absorbable scaffold. The fibroblasts in the scaffold secrete dermal collagen and soluble mediators which are required for wound healing. Dermagraft® is currently used to treat full thickness diabetic ulcers although studies have indicated that it may play a role in the treatment of burns as well. Dermagraft® often requires multiple applications and can therefore be costly.

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