What should you know about skin grafts on nose healing?

A graft on the nose is secured over a prepared wound and covered with a dressing or bolster. The nose moves with facial expression and is exposed to sunlight, so rubbing, pressure, and sun exposure can disturb early healing. A separate donor site may be tender or covered as well.

Early swelling, bruising, tightness, or altered sensation can occur around the treated area. The graft may look red, pale, or uneven while it settles. Healing is assessed through follow-up examinations rather than appearance alone, because the surface can change as the graft attaches.

Keep the dressing in place and dry unless your clinician has shown you how to change it. Clean the area only as directed, and avoid picking, blowing the nose forcefully, wearing anything that presses on the graft, or sleeping with pressure on the treated side. Follow instructions for prescribed medicines and ointment.

Limit strenuous activity when advised, since bending and exertion can increase bleeding or swelling. Once the wound has closed and your clinician approves it, use sun protection because sunlight can darken healing skin and make colour differences more noticeable.

Contact the surgical team if the dressing becomes soaked, the graft lifts, swelling or pain is worsening, or the area develops spreading redness, warmth, pus, or a bad smell. A graft that becomes unusually dark, pale, cold, or separated needs prompt review. Seek emergency help for uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing, or fainting.

Ask how to clean the graft, when the dressing or bolster comes off, which facial movements and activities to limit, and when sun protection or scar care can start. Ask what changes in colour are expected for your skin tone and which changes are urgent.