Arm Skin Graft for Self-Inflicted Scars

Q: Dr. Eppley,  I am interested in an arm skin graft. I have multiple self-inflicted scars on my arm from when I was younger. I am in a much better place now and want to rid myself of their appearance from an earlier time. I have some questions about the procedure:

Where is the skin graft from? I’ve read thigh region. 

Recovery time?

Will the stitches be visible after? And for how long? I had a scar revision done and the interior stitches are still noticeable, dark. It’s been about 1.5 years. 

What is a procedure like this cost?

How soon can this be set up?

I was thinking of tattooing the area once healed, would this be a concern? How long would I need to wait?

Would it be possible/advisable to tan the area to be used as the graft to match the affected area prior?

That is all I can think of for now. It would be great to speak with you. 

A: In answer to your arm skin graft questions:

1) The skin graft is harvested from the lateral thigh.

2) Ir depends on ow you define recovery…to work in a few days depending on what kind of work you do.

3) My assistant Camille will pass along the cost of the surgery to you on Wednesday.

4) You would have to ask my assistant Camille and let her know when is a good time for you.

5) You would have to wait a minimum of three to four months after the surgery.

6) Whether you tan the donor site or not before it is harvested does not affect graft take.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana