How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Skin Graft?

Before anyone researches the duration it takes for a patient to recover from the skin graft, they need first to understand what skin graft is. A skin graft is scientifically defined as a surgical process that partakes skin removal from one body part to another. In short terms, we can define it as transplanting of skin. This surgical process is done on the condition that your body has no protective covering of the skin due to burns, injuries, or illness.

Skin grafting takes approximately one to three hours. In case the graft area is more substantial than expected, there are higher possibilities of the patient spending some days in the hospital. Before the surgical process ensues, an IV line is injected into one of the patient’s arm’s veins.

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Once the skin graft process has been done, a bandage will be put over the graft area. The patient should expect the area to be sore for approximately one to two weeks. For the patient to recover from the skin graft, s/he has to understand and follow the skin graft aftercare rules and guidelines for effective healing.

The patient should follow the doctor’s instructions for faster healing. First of all, the area should be dry and free from any moisture for speedier healing. Often, most people tend to prop up the region of skin graft. You can also make sure the area is raised to prevent swelling and accumulation of fluid. You may also have a bandage on the skin graft region.

Another skin graft aftercare measure is to go for physical therapy to minimize the chances of scar tissue from interfering with your walking. This often applies when the graft is on your legs, arms, feet, or hands. The therapy should not be ignored, for it is vital for the patient’s recovery process. It partakes having splints on and involving yourself in motion workouts. The patient may experience some pain; however, it will help in effective healing.

The fact is that it takes a while for the patient’s graft to heal properly. But it is essential to understand that healing is a gradual process, and as you improve, the pain keeps on reducing. Often, it is recommended that doctors use body lotions to keep your skin hydrated all day long once you recover from the skin graft. Why is this so? Research shows that the skin graft area at times lacks sweat glands and oil glands, making the skin graft anhydrate and flaky.

There are also some cases when the skin transplant process will not bear fruits. If this happens, you are advised to go for another skin transplant. Below is a skincare sheet that will help the patients get to know how long they will take to recover. The factors that affect recovery are based on activity, diet, and medicines.

Activity

• Get enough sleep.
• Take part in motion exercises at least daily.
• Before you start driving, seek advice from your medical expert.
• Avoid overworking.
• Avoid taking a bath for the first fourteen days.
• Do not get involved in strenuous tasks.

Diet

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Take plenty of fluids and water.

Medicines

• Follow the doctor’s prescription. The patient should not take any new drug before consoling your doctor.
• Patients should seek advice from their doctors before restarting an aspirin dose.
• A patient not underdose or overdose herself. She has to take the medicines as instructed.
• Do not take an over the counter drug without permission from a doctor.

It is evident that after the skin graft process, the area is covered by a bandage. Therefore, the patient has to wait for permission and instructions from the doctor before changing the dressing. Eventually, maintain total cleanliness and avoid rubbing the skin transplant area for three to four weeks.