Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about the SkinDot surgical procedure. If you miss a question, please feel free to email it to us.
Our Mission: Skin Transplantation 2.0 Globally unique, adequate skin replacement through the new SkinDot full-thickness skin transplantation method
FAQ about SkinDot
1.) How does SkinDot work?
In SkinDot, full-thickness skin islets 1-3 mm in size are harvested from the donor site. The localization of the donor area is in the wound neighborhood or on the contralateral extremity in order to achieve the same skin quality of the graft. Due to the removed main islets in the millimeter range, an extremely low donor morbidity results. The harvested skin islands are implemented individually by the surgeon in a collagen matrix at a distance of 1 – 2 mm and the matrix with the islands is transplanted onto the wound. In the wound, the skin islands confluence and form a full-thickness skin equivalent.
2.) What is the scarring like with SkinDot?
With every surgical procedure there are scars. To promise complete freedom from scars would be negligent and unfair. However, the scarring and scar contracture to comparable skin transplants is much lower. The skin replacement by means of SkinDot is particularly characterized by a thickness, elasticity and resilience comparable to healthy skin without shrinkage tendencies.
3.) Which centers perform SkinDot?
Treatment with SkinDot is currently only offered in Berlin and Hamburg, new treatment centers are being planned. Please contact us if you would like to use SkinDot on your patients. We will support you with joint surgery planning, surgery execution, matrices, and corresponding patient documents (informed consent form, risk exclusion).
4.) My patient insists on SkinDot, what can I do?
Please contact us. You can refer the patient to a treatment center that performs SkinDot or perform SkinDot yourself if necessary. We will be happy to advise you on this and can plan joint surgical SkinDot procedures.
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5.) What does SkinDot cost?
Unfortunately, SkinDot is not yet a health insurance benefit and is so far only suitable as a self-pay service. Ask the patient to apply for cost coverage for SkinDot at the PKV. The costs for the surgical procedure depend on the wound area, the size of the wound and the patient’s previous illnesses. The costs for SkinDot can therefore not be generalized and are individually very different. We will be happy to provide you with a specific treatment plan for your patient.
6.) Does the GKV cover the SkinDot procedure?
7.) How long does the SkinDot procedure take?
The duration of the surgical procedure depends on the size, type and location of the wound. For a palm-sized wound, about 2-3 hours of operation time is required. We are currently working intensively on accelerating the SkinDot procedure.
8.) Can SkinDot also be offered on an outpatient basis.
Whether an inpatient stay is necessary for SkinDot surgery or the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis depends on the wound area, the size of the wound and the patient’s previous illnesses. Small wound areas, such as after basal cell carcinoma removal on the face, can of course be treated on an outpatient basis.
9.) How long has SkinDot been around?
SkinDot is a new skin transplantation procedure that has been developed since 2011 at the University of Lübeck in collaboration with the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin. After extensive preliminary and animal testing, the SkinDot procedure has been applied to patients since 2018. The efficacy and safety of the SkinDot surgical procedure was tested in a clinical study approved by the Ethics Committee.
10.) Is SkinDot also available abroad?
SkinDot surgeries are offered only in Germany so far. We are currently looking for European and international partner clinics. Please contact us if you want to offer the SkinDot procedure abroad.
Info about SkinDot – short and concise
Burn Wounds
SkinDot was originally developed for optimal treatment of third-degree burn wounds. SkinDot is a university spin-off from the Medical University of Lübeck in cooperation with the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin. SkinDot is used to transplant full-thickness skin islands of 1-3 mm in size onto the wound in the case of complete skin loss from a healthy part of the body. The transplanted full-thickness skin islands grow together to form a stable, resilient and scar-free skin substitute. SkinDot is particularly suitable for deep wounds on the face, neck, décolleté, over joint surfaces and on hands and feet.
Deep, acute skin wounds
SkinDot represents a new, innovative therapy option for acute wounds with complete skin loss. Indications for SkinDot in acute care are decollement injuries, skin loss after fasciotomy or tumor excision and skin loss in complicated fractures. The SkinDot procedure makes it possible for the first time to transplant full-thickness skin over a large area. SkinDot results in a resilient, stable and scar-free skin graft. SkinDot is therefore also ideally suited for the treatment of an amputation stump, since the prosthesis requires a stable skin support.
Chronic wounds
For the success of chronic wound treatment, the cause therapy is crucial. If vascularization is adequate, skin grafting can be performed using SkinDot. In the Skindot procedure, basal and subdermal stem cells are implemented into the wound with the skin islands. These transplanted stem cells emit special growth stimuli and thereby stimulate wound healing. SkinDot can therefore be used to heal persistent, chronic wounds.
Scars
Scars on the face, neck, décolleté, hands and forearms can be stigmatizing and very stressful for the patient. Regardless of the stigmatization, if localized over joint surfaces, they can be functionally limiting. With the new SkinDot procedure, an innovative surgical procedure is available in which scar tissue can be replaced by full-thickness skin islands.
Do you want to offer the new, innovative SkinDot procedure to your patients? Contact us! We support you with joint surgery planning, surgery execution, matrices, and corresponding patient documents (informed consent form, risk exclusion). We look forward to hearing from you!
Skin Transplantation beyond
Skin Transplantation 2.0