Melanoma skin grafting

After melanoma tissue is removed, the wound may be too broad, deep, or tight to close comfortably with stitches alone. The surgeon selects a donor site, takes a thin layer or a fuller piece of skin, and secures it over the wound. Dressings protect both the graft and donor site while new blood supply develops.

The graft may look different from nearby skin during healing, and colour or texture can change as it settles. Grafting repairs coverage; it does not determine whether melanoma has been removed. The pathology report and planned surveillance remain separate parts of care.

Keep the graft dressing undisturbed unless the team gives different instructions, and avoid pressure, friction, soaking, or stretching around the site. Follow advice about movement and wound reviews. Do not scratch a healing graft or apply products without approval. [Skin Graft](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-graft/) explains the procedure, while [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) may be discussed later for selected scar concerns after healing.

Contact the surgical team if the graft becomes increasingly dark, pale, loose, swollen, or painful, or if the dressing becomes soaked with blood or fluid. Fever, pus, spreading redness, or a donor site that is opening also needs assessment. Do not wait for the next routine appointment if the graft changes suddenly.

Ask why a graft is recommended, where the donor skin will come from, how both sites will be dressed, and which movements to avoid. Ask how graft attachment will be checked, when bathing is allowed, how scars may evolve, and what symptoms mean you should call immediately.