# 558 Use of Dermal Matrix for Full Thickness Skin Defect Coverage

## TL;DR

A dermal matrix combined with thin skin grafts effectively covers full-thickness skin defects, offering better recovery and skin quality.

## Contribution

A new method using dermal matrix with partial-thickness grafts for full-thickness skin defects is presented.

## Key findings

- Dermal matrix combined with thin grafts provides controlled dermal regeneration in a single procedure.
- The method restores skin elasticity and reduces hospital stays compared to complex treatments.
- It results in better long-term skin quality and could be integrated into burn management protocols.

## Abstract

Full-thickness skin defects caused by traumatic accidents, burns, tumor resections, and donor sites for free flaps should ideally be managed with full-thickness grafts. The ideal donor site is the groin area, but if the defect is of limited size, partial-thickness grafts may need to be used. The dermal matrix is made of bovine-derived type I, III, and V collagen and elastin, providing a structure that allows dermal cells to colonize it in an organized manner, thus fostering controlled dermal regeneration in combination with thin skin grafts.

We present a series of cases using a dermal matrix of 1 mm combined with a thin partial-thickness skin graft (0.12 mm) in a single surgical procedure for the coverage of full-thickness defects.

CASE 1: A 28-year-old male with a history of direct flame burns on the left upper extremity (Fig. 5a) underwent debridement followed by the application of a dermal matrix and a partial-thickness skin graft.

CASE 2: A 52-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes presented with a history of an electrical burn injury that was managed with deep debridement with amputation and negative pressure therapy. Dermal matrixwas applied along with a partial-thickness skin graft.

The use of dermal matrix in the treatment of full-thickness defects showed adequate dermal regeneration and coverage of defects in a single surgical procedure. Additionally, it restored elasticity in the new skin, reduced surgical risks, and shortened hospital stays compared to other more complex treatments.

Dermal matrix improves the outcome of full-thickness skin grafts coverings on patients, resulting on a better skin quality in the long term, and could be taken into account intthe burn management algoeithms even before considering flaps.

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