Full-thickness Skin Micro-columns within a Dermal Matrix: A Novel Method for “Donor-free” Skin Replacement

Split-thickness skin graft has been the standard in the coverage of large full-thickness skin defects. However, donor sites can be associated with significant pain and scarring. Further, the recipient sites frequently lack some basic skin functions, such as temperature regulation, uniform texture, appropriate color, normal pliability, elasticity, and lubrication. Full-thickness skin grafts, while able to more adequately recapitulate skin function, have even greater donor site requirements. Implantation of full-thickness skin micro-columns is a relatively novel concept in which the skin is harvested orthogonally rather than tangentially. These micro-columns contain elements of full-thickness skin grafts, including reticular dermal fibroblasts, hair follicles, skin adnexa, and adipose tissue—all elements that contribute to skin function. Notably, it has been shown that the diameter of the skin micro-columns determine donor site morbidity; however, in most cases, full-thickness skin micro-column harvest results in a trivial donor site far less invasive or morbid than a traditional full-thickness skin graft or split-thickness skin graft harvest. Here, we present 2 cases in which full-thickness skin micro-columns were harvested and implanted into a bilayer dermal regeneration matrix (Integra) to achieve durable single-stage skin replacement with practically no donor site morbidity.