Is there anything I can do to make a skin graft patch look more like the surrounding skin? (Photo)

Question

Nine months ago, I had a piece of my cheek cut out due to basal cell carcinoma. The surgeon replaced the cheek divot with an equal size piece of skin from in front of my ear. After the nine month period, the edges are nicely healed (I've been using Mederma) but the patch just looks different from the surrounding skin. I'll see if I can get a decent photo of this area.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Skin grafts generally utilize skin from other areas that don't look like the skin it has replaced and, therefore, always look like a patch. Grafting is also the most expensive way to repair a skin defect. However, you have several options. First, the skin graft could be removed and replaced by a flap, utilizing skin that is directly adjacent and, thus, a better match. An alternative would be to have the area of the graft and surrounding tissue treated with a vascular laser or IPL. This could give the tissue reasonably similar surface characteristics. Either procedure is only as good as the experience and skill of the doctor performing the procedure, so you need to do your homework.By the way, the use of Mederma and other "scar creams" is no better than simply massaging the scar with a simple moisturizer. As such, these scar creams are a waste of your money.

Frank W. Shagets, MD (retired) · Answer

Some skin grafts can have color blended to the surrounding tissue with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Adjacent tissue can be rotated to replace a skin graft. Tattoo artists with proper training are very adept at blending skin grafts & scars.

Is there anything I can do to make a skin graft patch look more like the surrounding skin? (Photo)

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Is there anything I can do to make a skin graft patch look more like the surrounding skin? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.