I had a mohs surgery on my nose, full thickness skin graft 15 days ago (Photo)

Question

I noticed that the graft is stiff. Is it the way it should be? If so how does it become "normal" skin? and if not what can be done? I'll be grateful for your prompt answer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Moh’s surgery on the face often requires surgical repair and reconstruction to reapproximate the skin edges. Flaps or direct closure techniques are used. It is important that you optimize scar healing during this phase in order to reduce longterm scars. For red scars, we use Vbeam laser, followed by fractional laser for scar topography and contour. We recommend Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily for the immediate postoperative period. Fractional laser is safe for scar laser therapy. 
There are treatments for swelling and edema of the scars. If there is residual sutures or edema, we advise you to follow a scar treatment protocol that can minimize the time to recovery. Our office specializes in scar revisions for Moh’s surgery. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

It can take weeks to months for a full thickness graft to have full blood supply and begin to look normal.  The skin grafts can form scabs and crusts for 2-3 weeks after they are placed.  There is usually healthy, viable tissue under the graft that will grow through into the graft given appropriate time.

Adam J. Mamelak, MD · Answer

In general, I tell patients it takes skin grafts a number of weeks, even months to look like normal skin. It is not uncommon to develop a crust over top of a new graft while it is healing.This can make it look or feel stiff. The new skin grows under this layer and replaces the crust as it is sloughed off. Your surgeon can advise you on the best ways to care for your graft to get optimal results. If the healing does not appear to be progressing as you had expected, I would reach out to the surgeon and ask if the healing is normal for the stage you are at.

I had a mohs surgery on my nose, full thickness skin graft 15 days ago (Photo)

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