How much does skin graft surgery cost per square centimeter?

Nov 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Han Xuefeng

Introduction

Skin grafting surgery is generally divided into three types: micrografting, free skin grafting, and flap transplantation. The corresponding costs are as follows: micrografting, 600–1,500 yuan per square centimeter; free skin grafting, 800–2,000 yuan per square centimeter; and flap transplantation, 1,500–3,000 yuan per square centimeter.

Reference information on different skin grafting methods and their associated costs:

Category/Item	Micrografting	Free Skin Grafting	Flap Transplantation
Reference Price	600–1,500 yuan/cm²	800–2,000 yuan/cm²	1,500–3,000 yuan/cm²
Principle	Skin from the donor site is cut into micro-grafts and scattered over the recipient area. The area is then covered with allogeneic skin or biological dressings. The micrografts survive and integrate within the recipient site, allowing extensive wound coverage using minimal donor skin.	Skin is harvested from the donor site and transplanted to the recipient area. Depending on clinical needs, split-thickness, intermediate-thickness, or full-thickness skin grafts may be selected.	The flap is transferred by anastomosing its blood vessels to those in the recipient area or by re-establishing vascular supply.
Indications	Mainly used for patients with extensive burns and limited donor skin availability.	Suitable for individuals with skin defects caused by burns or trauma.	Suitable for individuals with combined skin and deep tissue defects.
Recovery Period	1–2 weeks	1–4 weeks	3–6 months
Duration of Effect	Long-term	Long-term	Long-term
Risks	1. Poor local healing 2. Reduced skin elasticity and durability	1. Graft failure due to inadequate revascularization leading to necrosis 2. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation	1. Flap vascular compromise 2. Hematoma under the flap

Factors affecting cost:

1. Surgical Site: Areas such as the face, hands, and joints have complex anatomical structures, requiring higher surgical precision and success rates. Therefore, procedures in these regions tend to be more expensive.

2. Surgical Method: Traditional skin grafting techniques are relatively less costly. However, advanced techniques such as flap transplantation or micrografting require higher technical expertise and more expensive equipment and materials, resulting in higher overall costs.

3. Regional Differences: In economically developed regions with abundant medical resources, service fees are generally higher. In contrast, hospitals in less-developed areas may offer lower prices.

After skin grafting surgery, it is important to keep the grafted area clean and dry, avoid pressure and friction, and properly care for the donor site to minimize risks such as infection, graft necrosis, and pigmentation changes.

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How much does scar repair after skin graft surgery cost?

The cost of scar revision after skin grafting surgery generally ranges from 1,000 to 9,000 yuan per session, depending on individual circumstances. Scar revision can be performed using methods such as liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, fractional laser, and microcrystal dermabrasion. Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy typically costs between 4,500 and 6,000 yuan per session, while fractional laser treatment usually ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 yuan per session.

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How to remove scars on the face

In general, facial scarring may be caused by factors such as trauma, skin diseases, or individual skin characteristics. Scars can be improved in daily life through medication, proper skincare, and dietary adjustments. For more noticeable scar reduction, treatments such as chemical peels (using fruit acids), collagen injections, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional laser therapy, or skin graft surgery may be considered.