Split thickness skin graft for vestibuloplasty operations

The method of using split thickness skin grafts for vestibuloplasty operation has been carried out on 89 patients with atrophic mandibles. The patients have been followed-up at regular intervals over a 3-year period and show a stable operational result. The graft attaches to the periosteum of the alveolar ridge and maintains the new sulcus depth, preventing relapse. Measurements between tattoo marks on the transplant and on the transplant/mucosa junction show that this type of skin graft to the oral cavity is stable and results in only a slight initial amount of shrinkage, probably due to scar formation. Disadvantages of transplanting skin to the mouth such as hair growth or disagreeable odor did not occur. The patients accepted the color and the consistency of the graft. No complications following completed treatment have been found.