It is taught that full thickness skin grafts contract minimally in humans.
We aimed to examine this assumption.
In a prospective study, a scale photograph of each of 54 human full thickne
ss skin grafts was taken at operation once the graft had been inset, but be
fore the application of any tie-over or other dressing. For 50 grafts, a su
bsequent scale photograph was taken at follow-up (mean ill days post-operat
ion). The photographs were digitised and the areas of the grafts recorded.
Significant area reduction in human full thickness skin grafts was found (P
< 0.01, mean area change -38%). Greater contraction was associated with in
fection than without (P = 0.02, mean area change with infection -48%, witho
ut infection -33%. Full thickness skin grafts applied to the peri-orbital a
rea and nose contracted more than those applied to the scalp and temples (P
= 0.002).
No differences in contraction were found between donor sites, between metho
ds of fixation, between males and females or between those taking no medica
tion and those taking steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicatio
n. Area change did not correlate with initial graft area, patient age or ti
me to second photograph. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeo
ns.