Day theatre procedure
About this service
A small skin graft repair is a surgical procedure available in Windhoek used to close a wound that is too large or too tight to be repaired by direct stitching alone. A thin piece of skin is taken from another part of the body and placed over the wound to help it heal and reduce scarring. This approach is often used for wounds from injury, infection or after the removal of a skin lesion.
At Eastgate Clinic this procedure is performed in our on-site day theatre, with your GP managing wound assessment and follow-up in our rooms. Your doctor will explain whether a skin graft is the right option for your wound.
What to expect
- A consultation to assess the wound and plan the graft in our rooms
- Under anaesthesia a thin layer of skin is shaved from a donor site, often the thigh, and laid over the cleaned wound
- Both the donor site and graft site are dressed carefully after surgery
- The graft needs time and rest to establish a blood supply and heal
- Follow-up appointments to check the graft is taking and healing well
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- A wound too large or under too much tension to close by stitching
- A wound left after removal of a skin lesion or growth
- An injury or ulcer that isn't healing well on its own
- A wound your doctor has assessed as needing surgical closure
- Skin loss from injury or infection needing repair
Frequently asked questions
Where is the skin taken from for a small skin graft?
Usually from the thigh, buttock or upper arm, where a thin layer can be taken and the area heals on its own like a graze. The donor site is often more tender than the graft itself for the first week or so.
How do I stop a skin graft from failing?
Keep the grafted area still and elevated for the first days, leave the dressing alone until your doctor changes it, and avoid smoking, which reduces blood supply. Most grafts take within one to two weeks.
Will a skin graft leave a scar?
Yes, both sites leave a mark. The graft area tends to look patchy at first and settles in colour over months, while the donor site usually fades to a faint pale patch. Sun protection helps both.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your small skin graft repair?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.