Procurement of dermal graft from the suprapubic or inguinal fold region with primary linear closure.

[OBJECTIVE] To report on two cosmetically advantageous sites for the harvesting of dermal grafts. The traditional method of dermal graft harvest using a dermatome may leave an unsightly defect.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] Thirty-eight dermal grafts were harvested from either the inguinal fold or the suprapubic region. A freehand harvesting technique was used. The patients were all female and were having concurrent temporomandibular joint procedures. The donor sites were monitored for cosmetic result, patient satisfaction, and complications.

[RESULTS] All donor site wounds were determined to be cosmetically acceptable. The scars were well placed in anatomic skin folds. One complication, a seroma, was reported.

[CONCLUSIONS] Freehand graft harvest with primary closure provides an acceptable defect. The use of this technique in anatomically advantageous areas successfully conceals the resultant scar for heightened cosmesis.