The foreskin cells, which are young and grow quickly, are placed in a dish with nutrients that spur the growth process along. A thin piece of skin is produced in just weeks. Apligraf is much like normal skin, except it does not have pigment cells, hair follicles, sweat glands or the proteins that lead to immunities. The skin can be used on wounds that will not heal because of diabetes, or on a specific kind of leg wound, called a venous ulcer, caused by poor circulation. To get things ready, doctors may have to treat the patient with antibiotics or even operate to improve circulation in the area.
Blood flow is critical, because it carries oxygen into the tissues and promotes natural healing.
Diabetes hampers the healing process, because it reduces circulation to the hands and feet, where diabetics typically suffer stubborn wounds. The doctor may sew a few stitches to hold the skin in place. Then it is covered with gauze and bandages. The patient needs to visit the doctor weekly to have the bandages changed until the healing is complete, which can be a few weeks to several months. The body takes over from there, said Dr. Russel Shaw, a general surgeon and wound specialist with Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford.