Skin Grafts

How to Take Care of Bandages After Skin Grafts

After a skin graft operation, having the right bandages, and taking care of them properly is vital to the healing and recovery process. Make sure to leave the pressure bandage on, dry, and intact for 1 week prior to returning to clinic for a wound check.

How to Take Care of Bandages for the Graft Site

• To ensure that the bandage stays dry, consider using a handheld shower while bathing to strategically avoid the bandaged area. If your surgical site is on the ear, you may cover the entirety of the bandage with a waterproof ear cover, which can be purchased on Amazon. If the ear cover does not completely cover the bandage, instead bathe from the neck down to avoid wetting the bandage.
• Do NOT apply Advanced Healing Bandages to the graft site.

How to Take Care of Bandages for The Donor Site.

Often behind the ear, clavicle, or arm, this site can be highly sensitive after the graft. Leave the white pressure bandage on the donor site for 48 hours before beginning bandage changes. 

• If instructed to change the donor site bandage daily: Apply Mupirocin and Gentamicin ointments mixed 1:1 (if prescribed) OR Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment to the wound, covering the area with a non-adhesive pad and paper tape. Change the bandage daily.
• If instructed to use Advanced Healing bandage on the donor site: Cleanse the area with alcohol, then carefully cover the entire wound with the Advanced Healing bandage. Do not remove the Advanced Healing bandage prior to suture removal. You may shower with the Advanced Healing bandage on, as it is waterproof. 

FOLLOW-UP: In 1 week, return to clinic for wound check. If instructed to do so, send photos of the healing wound via Patient Gateway for Dr. Mosher’s examination.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF INFECTION: REDNESS, SWELLING, HEAT, PAIN, YELLOW (NOT CLEAR) DISCHARGE

If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact our office during normal business hours at: (781)-591-4234.

IN CASE OF POST-OP EMERGENCY 6PM-6AM: call (617) 855-5318. PLEASE LEAVE FULL NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, AND DATE OF SURGERY. THIS LINE MAY ONLY BE USED IN FIRST 48 HOURS POST-OP.

After that, please call our office at (781)-591-4234 during normal business hours.