The Pinking Shears: A Novel Tool for Improving Skin Graft Cosmesis

Abstract

Summary: A significant aesthetic disadvantage to split skin grafts is the obvious transition between the graft and the normal skin. We report on a novel method to interrupt this transition point by using pinking shears, which are dressmaking scissors with saw-toothed blades that create a chevron pattern instead of a straight edge. We describe a case where the pinking shears were utilized on a split skin graft and Integra for reconstruction of the skin on a volar forearm. This technique allows for breaking-up of the transition point between the skin graft and normal skin and gives rise to an improved aesthetic outcome as the boundary is significantly less well-defined. This novel method shows promise and further study is certainly warranted.