What is the term for the surgical repair of skin?

• A. Dermatoplasty
• B. Dermabrasion
• C. Cutaneous repair
• D. Plastic surgery

Answer: (A)

The term for the surgical repair of skin is dermatoplasty. Dermatoplasty specifically refers to procedures that involve the reconstruction or repair of the skin, which can include grafting skin from one area of the body to another or suturing skin after a surgical procedure or injury. This term emphasizes the focus on the skin itself, which is vital for functions such as protection, sensation, and thermoregulation.

Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is a technique used to remove the outer layers of skin to improve its appearance, primarily for cosmetic reasons such as reducing scars or wrinkles, but it does not refer to surgical repair. Cutaneous repair, while it might seem relevant, is not a standardized term used in medical terminology; it is more of a general descriptor rather than a specific surgical term. Plastic surgery encompasses a broader field that includes reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, not limited to just skin repair. Therefore, dermatoplasty is the precise term you're looking for when referring to the surgical repair of the skin.