AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam 2025 - Free Surgical Tech Practice Questions and Study Guide

A full-thickness skin graft encompasses both the entire epidermis and all of the dermis, making it suitable for reconstructive surgeries where a more durable and aesthetic skin coverage is required. This type of graft is often utilized in areas of the body that have greater functional or cosmetic importance, such as the face or hands. Because it includes the full dermal layer, full-thickness grafts typically integrate better into the surrounding tissue, providing improved healing and appearance compared to other graft types.

In contrast, a split-thickness graft only includes the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, which can make it more susceptible to complications and not as aesthetically pleasing in some situations. Composite grafts are made up of multiple types of tissue, such as skin and cartilage, and are used for specific needs rather than providing complete skin coverage. Fasciocutaneous grafts include skin and underlying fascia, and they serve particular purposes in reconstructive surgery as well, but do not provide full dermal coverage like a full-thickness graft does.