Function of the Skin
The skin is the largest sense organ of humans. Structure and color look slightly different for each person. Nevertheless, the skin always has the same composition and functions. The skin is composed of three skin layers. First comes the upper skin layer “epidermis”). Underneath lies the sclera (“dermis”) and below lies the underskin (“subcutaneous tissue”). The skin gives us the ability to perceive touch, pressure, tension and temperature differences. At the same time it protects our internal organs from bacteria and regulates our body temperature. If the skin is damaged the protection is lost. The resulting wound may differ in depth depending on how much of the different layers are affected (partial-thickness wound, full-thickness wound). If a wound is deeper than the upper layer of the skin a skin graft may be required.
Layers of the Skin
- The epidermis protects underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals and mechanical stress.
- The dermis contains connective tissue (collagen, elastin) as well as different types of cells. The dermis provides tensile strength and elasticity to the skin.
- The subcutaneous tissue is made up of fat and connective tissue, its purpose is to attach the skin to underlying bone and muscle as well as supplying it with blood vessels and nerves.
MatriDerm
MatriDerm is a unique collagen elastin scaffold, which serves to replace the wounded dermis. During the wound healing, your body uses MatriDerm as a guiding structure and replaces it by body’s own dermis components. After 6 weeks, the collagen-elastin layer is integrated, and a newly formed neodermis is present.
Your Treatment
Depending on your condition, MatriDerm may be used on its own or together with other treatments, such as a split thickness skin graft. If a split thickness skin graft was part of your procedure, your surgeon has taken a thin layer of skin from another area of your body (donor site) to support healing of the treated area. The aim of treatment is to construct a neo dermis, to improve the quality of reconstructed tissue, reduce scarring, prevent wound contraction and restore functionality.
General Information
You should not smoke during the healing period as this may slow down the healing process. Avoid knocking or rubbing the graft area. The graft remains very fragile for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
Showering and Bathing
You are advised not to have a bath for two weeks after your surgery. In general showering is preferable to bathing.
For a few weeks you should not bath your skin graft for more than five minutes. Furthermore you should use a mild soap and rinse well, patting the graft dry gently with a soft towel. Once your graft has healed completely you may bath and shower normally.
Sports
You should wait till your clinic visit approx. 6 weeks after your surgery before resuming any sportive activities. Wait for further instructions of your healthcare professional.
Sunbathing
It is important to completely block the sun from the graft area using either clothing, a hat or high factor sun block.
Massages and Skin Care
After the dressing has been removed, both the graft and the donor site have to be daily softened and massaged to reduce redness. You should use a non perfumed creme or lotion.
Patient Information Brochure for Download
If you would like to learn more about your treatment with MatriDerm®, you can download our patient brochure for helpful information and guidance.
MatriDerm
Patient Information Brochure (English)
MatriDerm pluS+ Bi-Layer Dermal Matrix
The instructions on this website are designed to serve only as a general guideline and not to supersede your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Please contact your healthcare professional if you have any problems with wound healing or any other wound related issues.