Artificial Skin

At a glance

Treatment time:

Includes pre-operative assessment, the surgery and post-operative care. Total healing time will depend on the nature of the surgery, most individuals will have permanent results.

Duration:

Operations will last around 1-2 hours dependent on the size of the area to be reconstructed.

Return to work:

Typically within 7-14 days, depending on the nature of work and extent of the surgery.

Anaesthetic:

General anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation for smaller procedures.

Artificial skin is an umbrella term that incorporates a number of different synthetic technologies that can be used in skin grafting.

Skin grafting is a surgical technique that aims to repair and reconstruct areas of skin that are damaged, for example from wounds, burns or significant scarring. Artificial skin is made using different components, which create a scaffold, around which the native skin can heal/regenerate.

Artificial skin needs to be surgically inserted, similarly to any other skin graft surgery, by an experienced professional, and requires meticulous skill and post-operative care to ensure good outcomes. Artificial skin can be used in a number of circumstances, including: reconstruction following excision of scarring (including contractures relating to significant burn injuries or scarring around joints), grafting large wounds following trauma or removal of large areas of skin (such as in the treatment of skin cancers).

Mr Ioannis Goutos is a well-known and respected plastic surgeon, with a special academic and clinical interest in managing burns and scars. He is technically skilled and provides thorough and holistic assessments, procedures and post-operative care. Mr Goutos places a special emphasis on addressing all aspects of a patient’s journey and care, including physical, psychological and social factors. Each individual receives personalised and tailored treatment plans based on their own medical background and goals.

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About this treatment

Artificial skin, or synthetic skin substitutes, are usually constructed out of meshes or templates that are made of special polymers and/or collagen components (typically sourced from animals). Sometimes they also contain an overlying silicone sheet to promote healing in the early post-operative stage. Once inserted over a wound, the skin itself will be able to heal around the synthetic scaffolding created by the artificial skin. Within around 2-3 weeks, the skin can produce new blood vessels and cells which lay down connective tissue around the graft site. This modality can be used as an alternative to skin grafting from donors or skin grafts taken from alternative sites on the body or tissue expansion.

Prior to undergoing any type of skin graft surgery, you will have a consultation and thorough assessment of your skin and treatment goals to see which sort of procedure would be best for you and your skin. The site and size of the area of skin being treated can have an impact on whether artificial skin is the most suitable option. It is also important to undergo meticulous pre-operative assessment. This will include a review of your medical history and medications, a physical examination and some basic medical investigations. Skin graft surgery can be done under a general anaesthetic (whereby you will be asleep throughout the procedure) or, in cases of smaller area skin grafting, with a local anaesthetic and sedation (meaning that you will feel sleepy and you won’t feel any of the surgery).

Once asleep or under sedation, you will be monitoring throughout your surgery by an anaesthetist. The surgeon will then be able to remove the target area of skin, or debride and clean any wound. The artificial skin is then laid over the open wound and joined to the adjacent, healthy skin using either sutures or staples. Following the surgery, special dressings are used to help prevent any infection and to promote good healing of the graft. Careful post-operative follow up is needed to ensure that there are no additional reactions to the graft, that there are no signs of infection and that the skin is healing well. Some types of artificial skin require removal of the most superficial layers (such as a silicone sheet) after a few weeks, once the skin has begun to heal.

FAQ

We know having medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment can seem daunting and it is natural to have questions. We are here to ensure your comfort and safety at all times. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions below, then please do not hesitate to contact us so we can help.

What are the risks associated with this treatment?

With the use of artificial skin, there are risks of infection and reaction to the synthetic materials used within the graft. Although the majority of patients have good results, there are some risks of having poor healing, and in extreme cases, even the need to remove the graft. It is important to discuss and be aware of all of these risks prior to undergoing any surgical procedure.

What is artificial skin made of?

There are a number of different types and brands of artificial skin. They are typically made up of a scaffold-type structure comprising special polymers such as silicone, or connective tissues including collagen and elastin. These are either synthetic or biologically sourced. For example, bovine collagen taken from the skin of cows is a common component. The matrix structure of artificial skin can also have additional growth factors added to promote the new growth of skin cells and blood vessels around the graft.

What are the alternatives to artificial skin?

Skin reconstruction can also be carried out using skin grafting (either from a separate donor or taken from a ‘donor site’ on the individual undergoing the surgery), skin flap surgery or using tissue expander devices.

What kind of scarring can I expect after an artificial skin graft?

As with all types of surgery, there can be some scarring expected around the seam of the graft and the original skin. Once long term healing is complete, most individuals have satisfactory blending between the tone of the graft and the surrounding skin. If you are prone to developing troublesome scarring, in particular bulky or keloid scarring, then this should be noted during your pre-operative assessment. Additional post-op healing adjuncts can be used, as well as special wound-closing techniques during your surgery, in order to promote good scar quality.

Prices from

Starting from £5000

At Goutos London, we aim to deliver a premium service with no compromise on quality in order to deliver the best results possible for your needs.

Related conditions

Whatever your condition, and whatever your health goals are, we will ensure you get a holistic, focused and bespoke service that offers you the safest options for treatment aiming for the best possible outcome.

Burns

Scarring

Wounds

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.

Artificial Skin

About this treatment

FAQ

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