Skin Grafts

What are Skin Grafts?

Skin grafts are surgical procedures that involve transplanting healthy skin from one part of the body (donor site) to cover areas damaged by burns, trauma, infections, or surgical defects, such as those from skin cancer removal. They promote healing, restore function, and improve appearance in affected areas. Dr. Ken Aluora specializes in skin graft techniques, tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs to achieve functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Benefits of Skin Grafts

• Promotes Healing: Covers and protects wounds to facilitate faster recovery and prevent infection.
• Restored Function: Improves mobility and functionality in areas affected by skin loss.
• Improved Appearance: Reduces scarring and restores a more natural skin texture and color.
• Versatile Applications: Effective for burns, chronic wounds, trauma, or post-surgical defects.
• Personalized Outcomes: Customized graft selection and placement for optimal results.

The Procedure

Dr. Ken Aluora uses advanced techniques to ensure successful skin graft outcomes. The procedure varies based on the graft type and wound characteristics but typically includes:

• Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the wound and patient health to determine the appropriate graft type and donor site.
• Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure’s complexity and location.
• Graft Types:
  • Split-Thickness Graft: Thin layers of skin, often used for larger areas, harvested from areas like the thigh or buttock.
  • Full-Thickness Graft: Thicker grafts, including deeper skin layers, used for smaller, high-visibility areas like the face.
• Graft Harvesting and Placement: Healthy skin is removed from the donor site and carefully applied to the recipient site, secured with sutures or staples.
• Dressing Application: Protective dressings to support graft integration and healing.

Procedures are performed in accredited facilities in Nairobi or Kapsabet, Kenya, with a focus on patient safety and comfort. The duration depends on the graft size and complexity.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies based on the graft type and wound size, with initial discomfort or tightness expected at both the graft and donor sites. Dr. Aluora provides detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• Wound care to prevent infection and ensure graft adherence, including regular dressing changes.
• Activity restrictions to avoid stress on the graft site, typically for 1-4 weeks.
• Moisturization and sun protection to support healing and minimize scarring.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor graft integration, assess healing, and manage donor site recovery.

Dr. Aluora and his team offer compassionate support throughout recovery, addressing both physical and emotional needs to ensure a smooth healing process.

Why Choose Dr. Ken Aluora?

• Expertise: Board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training in skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
• Compassionate Care: A patient-centered approach to support healing and confidence.
• Personalized Plans: Tailored graft techniques to meet functional and aesthetic goals.
• Advanced Techniques: Utilizes precise methods to optimize graft success and minimize scarring.
• Trusted Facilities: Surgeries performed in state-of-the-art centers in Nairobi and Kapsabet, Kenya.