Recovery from a skin graft

A graft is transferred skin that must establish contact with its new wound bed. The graft may look swollen, bruised or different in colour early on, while the donor site can feel sore or tight. Healing varies with graft size, location, blood supply, smoking, medical conditions and the operation performed. A dressing or bolster may be left in place so the graft is not sheared by movement.

Keep dressings dry and intact unless your surgical team gives different instructions. Avoid rubbing, picking, soaking or stretching the area, and follow guidance about bathing, walking, work and exercise. Take prescribed medicines as directed and attend every wound review. Once the wound has closed, scar care and sun protection may be discussed. Fractional Laser Treatment is sometimes considered for a mature scar, but only after the surgeon confirms that treatment is suitable.

Contact the surgical team urgently if the graft becomes increasingly dark, pale, cold, loose or severely painful, or if a dressing becomes soaked with blood. Also report spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, foul smell or a wound that opens. Sudden breathing difficulty or faintness needs emergency care. Do not remove a fixed dressing to inspect the graft unless instructed.

When will the dressing be changed? Which movements should I limit? How should I care for the donor site? What appearance changes are expected, and which ones suggest a graft problem? When can scar treatment be considered?