Revascularization of reversed dermis grafts

The process of vascularization and the vascular patterns in reversed dermis grafts (RDG) and full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) in the rat were studied at various intervals after transplantation by a combination of microangiography and histologic techniques. In the early stages the RDG became vascularized more rapidly than the FTSG. However, the inflammatory reaction in the RDG persisted for longer periods than that in the FTSG in the later stages. The prolonged inflammatory reaction in the RDG was presumed to be due to the lack of epidermis for two to three weeks after surgery. Comparatively severe contraction of RDG may result from this prolonged inflammation and the delayed epithelialization.