Worried skin graft will fail

Hi I had a full thickness skin graft 2 years ago right at top of nose and under eye, right up to my tear duct.  I had the same dressing and when they took the stitches out and dressing off, which was quite a task, there was a huge scab there. They told me to not be alarmed by how it looked, obviously I was.  I sent picture 2 weeks later as still the same to Consultant and he emailed me back saying it would be fine in time and to massage the scab with vasline which I did and it fell off.  Took a time to heal and the skin was very red and angry looking but eventually it faded and hardly visible now.  I too was worried it had failed.  Here if you need to ask me anything else

Thanks for replying Harlyn, glad to hear you had a good outcome. I just need to be patient I think, but it’s hard not to worry. 

Yes very hard not to worry, been there myself. Try and be patient.  I was looking at mine all the time. Got up in the night to go to the loo -  into spare bedroom to look at it in my magnifying mirror.  Think it would be a good idea if Consultants took Pictures of patients scars every few days to show you how it will be and how it heals. Hubby took a photo of mine every morning so I saw how it changed, but like you not quickly enough.  Good Luckx

Hi Harlyn, just wanted to say , I started taking daily photos since I read your message. I’m 2 weeks post op and it’s got a lot of bruising and dried blood that I can’t wash off because I can’t get it wet yet. On the positive side, a lot of the swelling has reduced and it’s easier to breathe now. I’m hoping I’m right in thinking it can look a bit worse before it will start to look better? I agree it would be really helpful to see the progress of others in pictures, especially as my next appointment with the consultant is in 10 weeks time and not even in person but over the telephone. You feel a bit abandoned to just get on with it. Thanks again x

Hi I haven’t posted on here before - diagnosed with womb cancer around the time I had the BCC removed so it kind of took over!! Had 2x2 cm graft on forehead and was absolutely horrified when the dressing was removed! Scabs all along graft- these came off after around 3 weeks and looked much better. My hair covers it a bit but no one ever notices it now! Just keep the faith - it will definitely get better.

Goodness me, I’m sorry to hear that!
Yes, I rather think it will be a slow process but it’s good to hear from people like you who can provide a bit of insight. I truly hope you get through your troubles and wish you well, thanks for taking the time to reply.x

Had mine done in November- I’d say so much better after about 6 weeks.  Finished treatment for the womb cancer 3 months ago- luckily v early stage and low risk of recurrence so doing great thanks!