Chronic wounds, burns, and severe skin injuries often require specialized treatments to restore tissue, prevent infection, and promote healing. Skin grafting and bioengineered skin substitutes offer advanced solutions for non-healing wounds, post-surgical recovery, and severe burns, helping patients regain healthy, functional skin. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 6.5 million Americans suffer from chronic wounds, with many requiring grafting or tissue substitutes to prevent complications.
At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, we use innovative grafting techniques and bioengineered skin substitutes to promote faster healing and improved cosmetic outcomes for patients with complex wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and surgical wounds.
What Is Skin Grafting?
Skin grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting healthy skin from one area of the body to another to cover wounds, burns, or tissue loss. It is commonly used for:
- Severe burns or trauma wounds
- Non-healing surgical wounds
- Chronic ulcers (diabetic, venous, or ischemic wounds)
- Pressure sores (bedsores) that expose deeper tissues
There are two primary types of skin grafts:
- Split-Thickness Skin Grafts (STSG) Thin layers of skin used for large wounds
- Full-Thickness Skin Grafts (FTSG) Deeper layers of skin used for cosmetic and functional restoration
What Are Bioengineered Skin Substitutes?
Bioengineered skin substitutes are lab-grown or synthetic materials designed to mimic natural skin and stimulate new tissue growth. These substitutes reduce the need for traditional grafts and are ideal for patients with limited donor skin or severe wounds.
Common Types of Bioengineered Skin Substitutes:
Collagen-Based Skin Substitutes
Support wound healing with natural proteins
Cellular Tissue-Based Products
Contain living cells to regenerate skin layers
Synthetic Skin Substitutes
Designed to mimic the structure of natural skin
Amniotic Membrane Grafts
Derived from placental tissue to enhance healing
These substitutes help reduce scarring, speed up healing, and improve skin flexibility.
Who Needs Skin Grafting or Bioengineered Skin Substitutes?
These treatments are recommended for patients with:
- Non-healing wounds that have not responded to conventional treatments
- Large skin defects due to burns, ulcers, or injuries
- Infected wounds requiring tissue restoration
- Post-surgical wounds needing reconstruction
By restoring skin function and improving healing, grafting and skin substitutes reduce the risk of infection, amputation, and prolonged recovery.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Vascular Surgery Associates, our specialists tailor grafting and skin substitute procedures to each patient’s specific needs. The process typically includes:
Wound Assessment & Preparation
The wound is evaluated, cleaned, and prepared for grafting.
Graft or Skin Substitute Application
Healthy donor skin or bioengineered material is applied to cover the wound.
Dressing & Recovery Monitoring
A protective dressing is placed to promote healing, and follow-up care is scheduled.
Most patients experience significant improvement in wound healing within weeks, with full recovery depending on wound severity and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Grafting & Bioengineered Skin Substitutes
Most grafts heal within 2-4 weeks, depending on wound size and location.
Some act as temporary wound coverings, while others integrate into the skin permanently.
Local or general anesthesia is used, and post-procedure discomfort is minimal.
Success rates depend on wound severity, patient health, and proper post-care, but most grafts heal successfully with proper care.
Yes, they are designed to closely resemble natural skin and improve both function and appearance.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Advanced Wound Care with Skin Grafting & Bioengineered Skin in Los Angeles & Santa Monica
When chronic wounds, burns, or surgical sites fail to heal, skin grafting and bioengineered tissue provide life-changing solutions for faster recovery. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we offer state-of-the-art treatments to help patients restore skin health and prevent complications.
Schedule a consultation today with Los Angeles & Santa Monica’s leading vascular and wound care specialists to explore advanced skin grafting and bioengineered wound treatment options.