What Is Skin Graft Surgery?
Skin graft surgery is a reconstructive technique where healthy skin is moved from one area of the body to cover a wound in another. It’s often used after the removal of skin cancer when there isn’t enough loose skin nearby to close the area naturally.
Skin grafts help protect the wound, speed healing, and restore function. They’re commonly used on the scalp, lower legs, and other areas where skin is tight or under tension.
Do I Need a Skin Graft?
We may recommend a graft if:
- A skin cancer removal left a larger or deeper wound
- There’s not enough surrounding skin to close the area with a flap
- The location (scalp, shin, nose, etc.) needs durable coverage
- We want to improve healing and reduce long-term risk of reopening
Grafts are used when other closure methods won’t heal well or safely—especially in areas where the skin doesn’t stretch easily.
Why Summit?
At Summit, our dermatology and plastic surgery teams collaborate to deliver skin grafts that heal cleanly and function well—without unnecessary discomfort or cosmetic compromise. We use both full-thickness and split-thickness grafts depending on your needs, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process.
Our focus is always on helping you recover confidently, with a long-term result you can feel good about.
Need skin reconstruction after skin cancer treatment? We’re here to help.
Our experienced team can walk you through the process and perform skin graft surgery with care and precision.
Doctor Spotlight
Dr. Roger Sica – Mohs Surgeon
A board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgery expert, Dr. Roger Sica regularly performs skin grafts for post-cancer reconstruction. Patients trust him for his calm, compassionate demeanor and his ability to explain procedures clearly.
“I want every patient to understand what we’re doing and why,” says Dr. Sica. “Grafts are often the best option for healing when the skin won’t close on its own. My goal is always to protect the area while preserving function and appearance.”
Practicing in the Wilmington region since 2010, Dr. Sica performs over 1,000 skin cancer procedures annually and works closely with our plastic surgery team when advanced reconstruction is needed.
What to Expect
Skin grafts are typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. We’ll take a thin layer of skin—usually from the upper thigh, behind the ear, or another discreet area—and place it over the wound. The graft is secured in place with stitches or dressings that help it “take” over the next few days.
You’ll go home the same day with bandages and detailed care instructions. It’s important to keep both the graft and donor sites clean and protected. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures or dressings. Most patients can resume light activity within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this different from a skin flap?
Yes. A skin graft transfers skin from another part of your body and relies on the wound site to form a new blood supply. A skin flap uses nearby skin that stays connected to its blood supply, which can lead to faster healing and more natural results—especially in areas where appearance matters most.
Grafts are typically used when there isn’t enough nearby skin to move safely, like on the scalp or lower legs.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
In most cases, yes. Skin graft surgeries are commonly performed under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but the area will be numbed. However, depending on the size and location of the graft, or patient-specific factors, general anesthesia might be recommended. Your provider will discuss the best option for you.
Will there be a scar?
Some scarring is expected at both the graft and donor sites. The extent and appearance of scars can vary based on factors like the type of graft, location, and individual healing processes. Our team takes care to minimize scarring, and if further cosmetic refinement is desired, our plastic surgery specialists are available to assist.
How long does it take to heal?
Initial healing of the graft site typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, while the donor site may take a similar timeframe. Complete healing and maturation of the graft can take several weeks to months. During this period, it’s crucial to follow care instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing.
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes. Skin graft surgery performed for medically necessary reasons, such as after skin cancer removal, is generally covered by insurance. Our administrative team will verify your benefits and provide information about any potential out-of-pocket costs before the procedure.
Real Stories From Real Patients
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Dr. Sica is one of the best doctors I have ever been to. He cares deeply for the patient and naturally thinks outside the box to co-create a solution that’s best for the patient. We are very fortunate to have him in our community. I am forever grateful for the gentle, caring and thoughtful skin cancer services he provides.
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Dr Sica made a large (5 in incision),removed the cancerous lesion and sewed it up. I am well pleased with the results 3 months later. There is only a single pink line visible . From experience, I expect the scar will hardly visible in a few mre months. I scar easily and am surprised at the results.
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I am so pleased that Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology took me in as a new patient. Finding new doctors when you move to a new area is not an easy task. Dr. Sica and his staff are so caring and welcoming. I felt at ease with him from the first moment I met him. The practice is well run from the front office staff to the medical staff that assist the doctors. I would recommend Dr. Sica to anyone who needs this type of medical treatment and follow up care.
Need skin reconstruction after skin cancer treatment? We’re here to help.
Our experienced team can walk you through the process and perform skin graft surgery with care and precision.