Global Skin Grafting Device Market Analysis

The skin grafting device market size is expected to reach US$ 1,519.0 million by 2030, from US$ 942.3 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Skin grafting is a medical procedure that involves removing skin from one part of the body and transplanting it to another part of the body. Skin grafting devices aid in harvesting healthy skin for grafting. The key drivers of the skin grafting device market include the rising incidence of burns and trauma injuries, the increasing number of surgeries, and the rising incidence of chronic wounds.

The global skin grafting device market is segmented by product type, graft thickness, application, end user, and region. By product type, the market is segmented into dermal substitutes, acellular, cellular allogeneic, cellular autologous, and others. The dermal substitutes segment is expected to account for the largest share during the forecast period due to the benefits offered, such as reduced pain, accelerated healing, and minimized scarring.

Global Skin Grafting Device Market Drivers:

• Growing demand for skin grafting procedure: The demand for skin grafting procedures has been steadily increasing in recent years owing to rising incidence of burn injuries and skin diseases across the globe. Skin grafting is commonly used to treat large burn injuries where a large area of skin is damaged. With the growing patient volume, healthcare systems across the world are investing in advanced skin grafting technologies to perform grafting procedures more efficiently. Skin grafting devices aid in the harvesting and transplantation of skin grafts with improved accuracy and reduced procedure time. The introduction of advanced technologies such as dermatomes, skin graft meshes and pads, and skin graft staplers and applicators is expected to drive widespread adoption among hospitals and burn centers. This rising demand will further fuel the growth of the global skin grafting device market in the forecast period.
• Increase in burn injuries: The rising number of burn injuries across the globe is driving the demand for skin grafting devices. For instance, according to data published in November 2022 by UpToDate, Inc., a company which line of business includes designing, developing, and producing prepackaged computer software, globally, between 7 and 12 million people (up to 33,000 each day) suffer from burn injuries.
• Growth in number of surgical procedures: The rise in the number of surgical procedures such as cardiac, orthopedic, plastic, and general surgeries is fueling the uptake of skin grafting devices. Surgical procedures often result in trauma and extensive tissue loss requiring skin grafting for wound closure. For instance, skin grafts are increasingly used to replace damaged or missing skin post-surgery, particularly in breast reconstructive surgeries. The expanding healthcare expenditure and surgical volumes globally are expected to drive significant demand for skin grafts and substitutes. For instance, according to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, in the U.S., 3.8 million plastic surgeries were performed in 2020.
• Rising awareness and acceptance of skin grafts: Increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals regarding the benefits of skin grafting over conventional wound care options is driving market growth. Earlier, skin grafts were limited to severe wounds; however, growing acceptance is leading to their use for moderate injuries as well. Cellular skin substitutes containing living cells have gained immense popularity, owing to their ability to stimulate regeneration compared to acellular variants. Cosmetic skin grafts are also rising in popularity driven by growth in cosmetic procedures.

Global Skin Grafting Device Market Opportunities:

• Emerging markets offer significant growth prospects: Emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa offer lucrative growth opportunities for skin grafting device manufacturers. These regions have a high incidence of wounds and burns, along with fast improving access to modern wound care. Favorable demographic trends, rising disposable incomes, and healthcare spending are leading to increasing adoption of advanced wound care therapies. Local manufacturing, partnerships, awareness programs, and pricing strategies focused on emerging economies can help tap the high growth potential.
• Rising demand in aesthetic procedures: The application of skin grafting devices in cosmetic procedures presents an emerging opportunity for market players. Skin grafts are increasingly being used for revitalizing aging skin and filling defects and scars from acne, trauma or surgery. Treatments like autologous fat transfer require skin grafts for defect closure. The global rise in cosmetic surgeries driven by increasing beauty consciousness provides a significant avenue for skin graft adoption beyond wound care. The launch of specific products for dermatological and cosmetic applications can help target this opportunity.
• Increasing technological advancement: Technological advancement has drastically transformed the skin grafting device market globally. Advanced devices and techniques are allowing clinicians to perform delicate transplant procedures with higher success rates. Skin grafting is a core technique in reconstructive and burn surgery procedures. As the frequency of burns and accidents increases worldwide due to various factors like industrial mishaps or natural disasters, the need for effective and reliable skin grafting is simultaneously rising. For instance, in December 2022, Mimix Biotherapeutics, which provides a point-of-care tissue engineering approach to regenerative, patient-tailored precision medicine, has developed a next-generation 3D bioprinting platform using Sound Induced Morphogenesis (SIM). Based on a new technology using sound for 3D bioprinting, mimiX has developed a first product: FastSkin, a skin graft for acute and chronic wound treatment. A pre-clinical demonstration showed usability, safety and efficacy.
• Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies: Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as acquisition by the key players is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, on October 7, 2023, Coloplast A/S, a multinational company that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices and services related to ostomy, urology, continence, and wound care, announced the acquisition of Kerecis, a company focused on biologic wound care. This acquisition will expand the Coloplast A/S product portfolio.

Global Skin Grafting Device Market Restraints:

• High costs of advanced skin grafting procedures: The high costs of advanced skin grafting procedures and products such as cellular and tissue-engineered skin grafts are a major restraint to growth and adoption. These procedures may not be fully covered by insurance and often require out-of-pocket spending limiting patient affordability. Price competition from low-cost acellular substitutes also hampers the adoption of premium grafts. Manufacturers are focused on introducing cost-effective variants to improve uptake across all income groups.
• Reimbursement challenges and cost constraints: Reimbursement challenges pose a key restraint, especially in emerging countries where coverage for skin grafts is inadequate. Complex coding and approval requirements, as well as low provider education on claims, also impact revenues. Cost-containment efforts by payers to control healthcare expenditures have led to reduced compensation and reimbursements, putting margins under pressure.
• Limitations and failure risk associated with skin grafts: The limitations and failure risks associated with skin grafting procedures restrain adoption and market expansion. Autografts are limited by donor site availability, while allografts face risks of rejection and higher failure. Limitations include poor cosmetic outcomes, contractures, and instability in joints. Continuous product innovation to develop skin substitutes that closely mimic actual skin properties is key to addressing unmet needs and driving greater acceptance among care providers.

Counterbalance: The key players in the market should focus on developing low cost skin grafts devices.

Analyst’s View on Global Skin Grafting Device Market: The global skin grafting device market is expected to experience steady growth over the forecast period, driven by an increasing number of burn cases and accidents globally. Furthermore, increasing geriatric population who are more prone to chronic wounds will also boost demand for these devices. However, the high costs of advanced skin grafting devices and the lengthy regulatory approval process could hamper market growth to some extent.

North American region currently dominates the skin grafting device market owing to the growing prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and the presence of major market players in countries like the U.S. and Canada. Asia Pacific is likely to be the fastest-growing market over the next decade due to rising medical tourism industry and the growing prevalence of burn injuries in densely populated countries like India and China.

Within skin grafting devices, mesh grafting devices are expected to witness the highest demand, supported by advantages such as reduced operation time and risk of infection compared to alternative skin grafting methods. The growing adoption of minimally invasive skin grafting procedures will provide new opportunities for players to introduce innovative skin grafting devices with enhanced properties. Rising awareness about availability of advanced wound care products could help expand the market in underpenetrated regions.

In summary, while high costs remain a challenge, the steady incidence of burns and skin damage cases worldwide will continue to drive demand for skin grafting devices.