Assessment of Donor Site Scar Outcomes, Healing Time, and Postoperative Complications Associated With Split Thickness Skin Grafts Harvested From the Hair Bearing Scalp

Abstract

BACKGROUND The hair-bearing scalp is an underused donor site for split-thickness skin grafts (STSG). OBJECTIVE Evaluating the donor site scar outcomes, healing times, and complications associated with STSG harvested from the hair-bearing scalp. MATERIALS AND METHODS During this prospective observational study, donor site healing was assessed on postoperative Days 8 and 30. Donor site scar outcomes were quantified at 1 month using the Vancouver Scar Scale. All postoperative complications were collected during the 30-day follow-up window. RESULTS 80% of donor sites was fully healed at 1-week follow-up. Vancouver Scar Scale score at the donor site was 0.26 at 1-month follow-up. All patients experienced full hair regrowth. Maximum pain scores were reported on the night of surgery (Vancouver Scar Scale 1.8), with quick resolution in days to follow. No major complications were reported. All STSG obtained from the scalp had full take and good texture and color match with the recipient site. CONCLUSION The hair-bearing scalp is an excellent donor site for split-thickness skin graft harvesting.