Objective To compare the non-cultured bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) and cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the promotion of random-pattern skin flap survival of rats. Methods BM-MNCs and BMSCs derived from two identical rat bone marrow aspirates were injected in a random-pattern skin flap model of rat (n=6). The survival area was determined by its appearance, color and texture. Capillary density of flaps was measured by histology. Results The flap survival rates were (71.6±8.4)%in the BM-MNC-treated group and (66.2±3.1)%in the BMSC-treated group, both of which were significantly higher than the control group (55.9 ±3.4)%. However, no significant difference was observed between the cell transplanted groups. According to vessel density assay, capillary density in the BM-MNC-treated group (58.2±6.8) was higher than in the BMSC-treated group (42.7±5.1), both of which were significantly higher than the control group (22.8±3.1). Conclusion Pre-culture of BMSCs does not bring therapeutic benefits.