Disease Overview：Free skin grafting（FSG）
Free skin grafting is a reconstructive surgical procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery wherein a section of epidermis and dermis—harvested without its underlying vascular supply—is transplanted to cover cutaneous defects resulting from trauma, burns, tumor excision, or chronic wounds. Unlike pedicled flaps, free skin grafts rely entirely on recipient bed neovascularization for survival and are classified as split-thickness (STSG) or full-thickness (FTSG), each selected based on wound location, functional demands, and aesthetic considerations. Indications include large surface area coverage where local tissue mobilization is insufficient, while contraindications encompass infected beds, poor vascularity, or uncontrolled comorbidities such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. Postoperative management emphasizes immobilization, dressings, and vigilant monitoring for graft adherence, hematoma, or infection—factors directly influencing take rate and long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes.
China offers distinct advantages for international patients seeking free skin grafting: board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in complex reconstructive cases—including burn reconstruction and oncologic defect repair—leverage advanced intraoperative imaging, negative-pressure wound therapy systems, and standardized graft monitoring protocols. Leading tertiary hospitals report >92% primary graft take rates across 5,000+ annual procedures, supported by robust clinical data published in peer-reviewed journals. Treatment costs remain 40–60% lower than in the US or Western Europe, without compromising safety standards or accreditation—many institutions hold JCI or ISO certification. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access: coordinating hospital appointments with top-tier specialists, providing itemized, transparent pricing in advance, arranging visas, accommodation, and postoperative follow-up—all tailored to individual clinical and logistical needs.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown: Split-Thickness Skin Grafting (STSG)
Non-Surgical / Conservative Management
*Indicated for small, superficial wounds <2 cm² with intact vascular bed and no infection; contraindicated in full-thickness defects, exposed bone/tendon, or immunosuppression.*
- •Topical wound care (silver sulfadiazine + non-adherent dressing): ¥120–¥280/week → $17–$40
- •Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) rental + supplies (7-day course): ¥2,400–¥3,600 → $340–$510
- •Preoperative lab panel (CBC, coagulation profile, fasting glucose, hepatitis B/C serology): ¥380 → $54
- •Doppler ultrasound (to assess recipient bed perfusion): ¥260 → $37
Surgical Intervention: Split-Thickness Skin Grafting (Plastic Surgery Department)
*Eligibility: Full-thickness skin loss ≥2 cm², stable comorbidities (e.g., controlled hypertension, HbA1c <8.5%), no active infection at donor/recipient sites.*
- •Preoperative workup (ECG, chest X-ray, anesthesiology consult): ¥1,150 → $163
- •STSG procedure (harvest + grafting, 50–100 cm² area):
- Tier 2 (provincial capital Grade 3A hospital): ¥7,500–¥9,300 → $1,060–$1,320 - Tier 3 (national key center, e.g., Peking Union Medical College Hospital): ¥10,800–¥13,500 → $1,530–$1,910
- •Donor site care (dressings, analgesics, follow-up visits ×3): ¥950 → $135
- •Recipient site monitoring + suture removal: ¥620 → $88
Special/Complex Condition Options
- •Large-area STSG (>200 cm²) with meshed grafting + intraoperative blood salvage: ¥18,200–¥24,600 → $2,580–$3,490
- •STSG combined with local flap (e.g., for heel or hand defects): ¥22,000–¥31,500 → $3,120–$4,470
- •Recurrent graft failure requiring dermal matrix scaffold (Integra®-equivalent domestic product): ¥35,000–¥48,000 → $4,960–$6,810
Quick Selection Guide
- •Young adult (<45), budget-constrained, localized defect (<50 cm²): Tier 1 STSG + standard post-op care ($840–$1,050) — optimal balance of efficacy and cost.
- •Elderly patient (≥70) with diabetes/hypertension: Tier 2 STSG + NPWT bridge pre-op + enhanced monitoring ($1,500–$1,900) — reduces dehiscence risk.
- •Trauma patient with >150 cm² defect + exposed tendon: Tier 3 STSG + mesh expansion + intraoperative salvage ($3,200–$4,200) — minimizes re-grafting.
- •Chronic ulcer (≥6 months) with poor vascularity: Doppler + NPWT ×2 weeks pre-op + Tier 2 STSG ($1,850–$2,200) — improves take rate to >92%.
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Free skin grafting Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Free skin grafting treatment with China top medical destinations:
