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• Epidermis + variable amount of dermis
• Harvested using dermatome (Watson & braithwaite modifications of Humby knife) or gas-powered dermatomes
• Epidermis regenerates from "adnexal elements of skin" - hair follicles, sebacous glands and sweat glands
• Dermis does not regenerate

• Epidermis + dermis
• Preserved skin characteristics (more collagen content, dermal vascular plexuses, epithelial appendages)

(Skin cannot grow back and donor site needs to be closed primarily)

• Large areas can be covered (skin can be put through mesh)
• Less likely to fail

• Less contraction at graft site (important for hands and joints - that need movement)
• Better cosmesis

• Increased graft contraction at donor site
• Poor cosmesis
• Creates second wound at donor site which needs caring for

• Donor site must be primarily closed
• More likely to fail because of greater amount of tissue requiring vascularisation

• Any large wound
• Line cavities
• Resurface mucosal defects
• Close flap donor sites
• Resurface muscle flaps

Any part of body but in particular areas

• Easily concealed by clothing
• Position of easy post-operative care
• Capable of providing adequate tissue

Upper thigh, upper inner arm, scalp, buttock