Skin graft on face care

Hi Georgieboy

I've had a BCC removed and skin graft (last November). I know what you mean about the shock when the dressing comes off - it takes a bit of adjusting.

My understanding is that the graft should be kept moisturised -I think to minimise scabbing. I applied vaseline throughout the day in the first week or so.

My graft was scabby for about 3 weeks, at which point a nurse removed them all. I'm not sure that was the best thing to do (other advice suggested leaving any scabs that formed to come away naturally). I got some 3M micropore tape in flesh tone and used this to cover the area - I am still using it now, as I feel self-conscious about the graft (it's now 7 weeks since my op). You can find the tape in different widths online.

Hope this is helpful. (I've also started a blog on this site, of the first few weeks if you want to take a look).

Take care.

Thank you for the reply i will keep up with the Vaseline. How many weeks is it before make up can be applied. I will certainly look at your blog. Do I just go onto the blog section? Today I feel a little better but I have also put my sunglasses on to hid the mark even though my glasses are sitting right at he end of my nose to cover it. X

I think you need to wait until the wounds round the edge of the graft have fully healed and there's no scabbing. For me, this was 3 weeks after the op (largely because of the nurse cleaning off the scabs). I did try doing my own makeup disguise at that point, using Vichy Dermablend concealer, but, to be honest, I just felt it called attention to it - the graft is still a bit high and bumpy round the edges. I prefer using the flesh-toned tape, which you can cut to a suitable size. That way I'm not trying to pretend something hasn't happened, but someone passing you on the street wouldn't look twice. When I met an old friend wearing it, she said she temporarily forgot I'd had a graft and only noticed after a few minutes. From what I've read, it takes about 3-6 months for the graft to start looking reasonably 'normal' - maybe at that point I'll use concealer. I tend to use a tinted moisturiser on the rest of my face every day in any case.

There's an organisation called Changing Faces that provides help with disguising scars, though there is a waiting time to see a consultant depending on where you are. I also found details of other organisations that provide similar services on their website, though you have to pay - but you'd probably see someone sooner. 

You can find my blog by clicking on my username (Ess), which goes to my 'home' page, and click on the Blog section below it. A user called Indie15 also did a blog (and she's got better, bigger!) pictures, and some helpful info re using silicone tape.

Take care not to bash your graft with your sunglasses! xx

Thank you for all your info I am feeling a lot more at ease with it all, I did cover it up today as I had a funeral to attend and I didn’t want people staring at the wound, they still stared at my dressing though. X

Hi

I used Changing Faces. It took about 6 months from the completion of the reconstruction (extensive - forehead flap following MOHs on the side of my nose) until I got an appointment, arranged through the hospital. It was helpful and encouraging. The consultant matched camouflage make up to my skin tones, told me what products I needed and how to get them on prescription. Two years on, I rarely use the make up; the scars have faded quite well, and I am no longer self-conscious. In the immediate aftermath of the surgery, I did have a few weepy days. The Changing Faces consultant ( and my GP) said that the cost of make-up on prescription to the NHS was far less than treatment for depression if I felt bad about how I looked, and you can get really good results with make-up! 

Give it time, and be kind to yourself!

Thank you for your reply, I think I am working myself up that the graft is not taking should the wound look like a really black scab? Some sites I look on say that it means it is not taking, I am putting Vaseline on it twice a day. I would post a picture but don’t know how to upload one. 

I was freaked out when the nurse at my 1 week visit said there was a danger of some or all of the graft failing. When I looked on here, it seems it's not critical if some or all of it fails. There's a user called Lattelover who had some of her graft fail and posted a photo of it on her blog on this site. It subsequently healed and she was pleased with the result.

Perhaps give the hospital a call if you're feeling really anxious. There are Macmillan nurses attached to the hospital I attend and one of them has been really helpful and supportive.

xx

Hello Georgieboy,

My 3 cm nose graft had black scabs all around the perimeter, but they eventually sloughed off and the graft took well.  If you are not sure if your graft is taking, please put your mind at ease by calling your nurse.  Best wishes as you go through the healing process!

Thankyou for your reply, I haven’t been given a nurse the bcc was removed dressing taken off Tuesday and just told to put Vaseline on it and off I went I did ask if I had to come back but told no. I think it is my emotions up and down thinking the worst and googling doesn’t help. It looks a little better this morning but if I am worried I will contact my gp. 

I wasn't given a nurse either. On my hospital website, I browsed to the skin cancer section and from there found contact details for the Macmillan nurses, who I rang with a query. Perhaps try looking on your hospital website.