Can skin grafts with complications still eventually turn out OK, or do they usually need more surgery?

Question

I had Moh's surgery on the tip of my nose a week and a half ago. I had a skin graft (full-graft) done last Friday and I don't think it went so well. My Dr. said that the first layer seemed to be kind of sloughing off, and there's this yellow, gooey, gloppy stuff that stinks over the wound. Can skin grafts with these kinds of complications still turn out all right, or will I most likely need more surgery? I would post a photo but I don't want everyone to lose their lunch.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Typically after skin grafts are placed subsequent surgery in that recipient area is not necessary.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Usually when there is an issue with a skin graft it is different than what you are describing. It happens because insufficient blood supply affects the transposed tissue and therefore it dies and doesn't last. While some of what you are describing sounds normal after a graft, the smell is what concerns me more. Are you cleaning it properly? Are you following up with your doctor? "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can skin grafts with complications still eventually turn out OK, or do they usually need more surgery?

Answers (2)