Dermatotomy

/ˌdɜːməˈtɒtəmi/ noun

Definition

The surgical procedure of cutting into or slicing skin tissue, typically for medical examination or grafting purposes.

Etymology

From Greek 'derma' (skin) + 'tomia' (cutting), forming the medical term for skin incision. Developed alongside surgical specialization in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Dermatotomy sounds serious, but it's actually the foundation of modern cosmetic and reconstructive surgery—without the ability to carefully slice and move skin, many healing techniques we take for granted wouldn't exist.

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