skinsparing

Skin-sparing refers to surgical techniques that preserve as much of the patient’s native skin as possible during an operation. The goal is to maintain the skin envelope to improve cosmetic outcomes, facilitate reconstruction, or support faster healing, while still achieving the medical objectives of the procedure.

In oncology, skin-sparing approaches are most widely discussed in breast cancer treatment, where skin-sparing mastectomy preserves most of the breast skin and, in some cases, the nipple-areolar complex. This can enable immediate reconstruction with implants or autologous tissue. Careful patient selection, imaging, and intraoperative assessment are used to ensure oncologic safety while preserving skin.

Skin-sparing concepts are also applied in other areas, such as trauma, burns, and reconstructive surgery, where preserved skin and its vascular supply can reduce the need for grafts and improve functional and aesthetic results. Techniques often involve meticulous dissection along natural tissue planes, preservation of perforating vessels, and incision planning that follows cosmetic and functional considerations.

Benefits of skin-sparing approaches can include better cosmetic appearance, fewer donor-site morbidities, and faster rehabilitation. Limitations and risks include the possibility of skin necrosis, infection, or inadequate removal of diseased tissue if the skin is involved. Skin-sparing is not appropriate when disease or infection involves the skin or when vascular supply is compromised.

See also: mastectomy, nipple-sparing and skin-sparing procedures, oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery, flap techniques.