ABSTRACT
The need of reconstructing certain areas of the human body, aiming at the patient's curing above all circumstances and avoiding functional complications and major disturbances of aesthetical character, has been a constant stimulation for the research of new methods. In face of such a situation, the authors were not satisfied with the over of the long term results of the traditional partial and/or full skin grafting and the flaps for covering lesions of certain kinds. Thus, they decided to start using the epidermal-adipose graft (EDG) in accordance with the adequate indications. In this work, the authors display the technical approach and its clinical applications (12 patients) presenting positive details in the discussion. Aiming at corroborating their work purpose, they develop similar studies in Wistar type rats, with a standardized macroscopic and microscopic methodology. They also performed an objective review of the literature and emphasized the physical properties of the skin and the grafts integration. Their conclusion points to the fact that the composite EDG offers a significant contribution, in theform of an additional alternative, to the covering of certain tegumental lesions. It presents advantages as compared to other techniques, like easy performance, single surgical time, no deformities and minimal, stigma, always making evident the fact that Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics complement each other.
Keywords: Skin Graft; Composite Graft; Physical Properties of the Skin