There are four main types of grafts used in cutaneous surgery: full-thickness skin graft, split-thickness skin graft, composite graft, and cartilage graft. All grafts are removed from the donor area, detached from the original blood supply, and then transferred to the recipient site where they must reform a new vascular attachment.

Full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) is comprised of the epidermis and the full complement of the dermis. The typical donor sites are conchal bowl, pre-and postauricular sulci for smaller defects, and clavicular and inguinal skin for larger defects. FTSG is used to achieve the best cosmetic match.

Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is comprised of the epidermis and part of the dermis. STSG is typically used to cover larger defects where a FTSG would not be feasible. STSG varies in thickness to accommodate the defect. Additional equipment is needed to harvest the graft. Donor sites include posterior arms, thighs, lower abdomen, and buttocks where the resultant scar would be less conspicuous.

Composite graft is comprised of attached skin and cartilage. A composite graft is typically used in superficial nasal alar rim defects when additional support is needed. The typical donor site is from the anterior ear helix or the conchal bowl.