Hidden scar for a split-thickness graft: A donor site camouflaging technique

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) remains a cornerstone of reconstructive surgery, yet donor-site morbidity and visible scarring continue to pose significant concerns, particularly in patients with high esthetic expectations or increased risk of complications. Traditional donor sites, although reliable, may result in distressing and socially visible scars. We present a simple and reproducible technique for harvesting STSG from the suprapubic skin crease, achieving a nearly invisible scar that is naturally concealed by standard underwear. A fusiform full-thickness skin paddle is elevated along the suprapubic skin crease, secured over a flat metal plate with a thin gauze interface, and harvested using a powered dermatome to obtain a uniform graft while preserving cosmetic outcomes. This technique was applied in a single patient, achieving complete graft take and uneventful donor-site healing. The resulting scar was linear, flat, and well hidden, with high patient satisfaction. This approach provides an effective option for optimizing donor-site management when scar concealment is a priority.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
Published
2026-07-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25259/jcas_309_2025
Primary Topic
Wound Healing and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Hidden scar for a split-thickness graft: A donor site camouflaging technique

Michele Rosario Colonna, Fabiana Battaglia, Gabriele Delia
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
Wound Healing and Treatments
article

Hidden scar for a split-thickness graft: A donor site camouflaging technique

Michele Rosario Colonna, Fabiana Battaglia, Gabriele Delia
article en

Abstract

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) remains a cornerstone of reconstructive surgery, yet donor-site morbidity and visible scarring continue to pose significant concerns, particularly in patients with high esthetic expectations or increased risk of complications. Traditional donor sites, although reliable, may result in distressing and socially visible scars. We present a simple and reproducible technique for harvesting STSG from the suprapubic skin crease, achieving a nearly invisible scar that is naturally concealed by standard underwear. A fusiform full-thickness skin paddle is elevated along the suprapubic skin crease, secured over a flat metal plate with a thin gauze interface, and harvested using a powered dermatome to obtain a uniform graft while preserving cosmetic outcomes. This technique was applied in a single patient, achieving complete graft take and uneventful donor-site healing. The resulting scar was linear, flat, and well hidden, with high patient satisfaction. This approach provides an effective option for optimizing donor-site management when scar concealment is a priority.

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic SurgeryVol. 0
University of Messina (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Wound Healing and Treatments
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.