Split skin grafts from the scalp

In 31 patients 57 split skin grafts were taken from the scalp. The scalp proved to be a very suitable place for the taking of skin grafts. Small postoperative complications can be prevented by careful subgaleal injection of saline, prevention of the strips of split skin grafts crossing each other and good postoperative care. The cosmetic disadvantage of temporarily losing one's hair is counterbalanced by wound healing without scarring; and 90% of the parents and all the questioned children were perfectly willing to have, if necessary, a second split skin graft taken from their head and preferred the scalp to any other donor locality. If children and parents are treated with understanding and consideration no psychological problems will result.