Cancer removed from my nose, and a skin graft. Is this normal?

Question

I had Basinal cancer removerd from my nose, and a skin graft taken in front of my ears to fill the area where they removed the cancer this procedure was done on a Monday and of friday it was dark black/ blue, i have been keeping it bandage where they performed the repair, and also and keeping it moist with vaseline, should i be concern with the discolor of the graft, or is this normal

Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin graft healing is dependent on the recipient bed (the area where the graft is being placed), in addition to the graft thickness.  Skin graft require a vascularized tissue bed to heal.  The graft may appear discolored until it is revascularized.  The vaseline dressing provides a moist environment that promotes re-epithelialzation of the wound.  You should consult with your physician if you have any concerns and make an appointment to be evaluated.   Sincerely,

Barbara Jemec, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

I am sorry you are worried.Without seeing you or at least having a picture it is hard to comment accurately, but consider the following points, and I hope you will feel less anxious:One: When full thickness skin grafts take, they go through a period where they become dark purple, this might be what you are seeing (but again,can't say without picture at least)Two: if the skingraft fails it can be redone, and apart from the added discomfort, time and another (hidden) donor site scar, it is possible, with the same amount of scarring on the noseThree: even if the skin graft fails completely, it will have a acted as a biological dressing and the underlying wound will be on it's way to healI am sure you have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon soon, who will be able to guide you through any further options you might need, but you might not need any more surgery.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Skin grafts can be very problematic during healing.  Even though the top has turned dark it can be healing underneath.  Best to continue to keep it most and followup with your physician.  As it heals the dark scab will fall off or be trimmed by your doctor and it should be a lot healthier underneath.  Don't do this yourself.Best wishes.Sorry it takes so long for healing.

Cancer removed from my nose, and a skin graft. Is this normal?

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Cancer removed from my nose, and a skin graft. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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