Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are often left with an abundance of excess skin. In most instances, the excess skin is discarded after removal. However, as medical technology advances, another option becomes available to persons wishing to donate their extra skin to someone in need. You can become a skin donor by following a few simple steps that will allow your gift to benefit burn victims.
Instructions
1. Determine your eligibility to donate skin by completing an evaluation form at the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation website, located in the Resources section of this article.
2. Inform your surgeon that you would like to donate your excess skin after bariatric surgery.
3. Have your surgeon call the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation at 1-800-581-2804. If your surgeon is unfamiliar with the program, a surgical donation coordinator will explain the process.
4. Wait for the MTF to contact you to schedule a medical assessment.
5. Proceed with your surgery as planned and the donation coordinator will help to organize the donation process. Nothing will change about your surgery except for where the skin is directed after the procedure is completed.
