Has anyone here had to deal with a skin graft on their nose?

[rzemanfl]

I got one yesterday after MOHS surgery to the tip of my nose and am looking for tips and hints regarding dealing with the "bolster" which is awkward and worrisome, particularly regarding keeping the thing dry, and sleeping. I ordered some eye shields to protect my face from water in the shower. I figure I can wash my hair in the kitchen sink with the sprayer and keep the water away from my face. I will use an electric shaver until the bolster is removed on the 24th of this month and wash my face very carefully. I can wear an N95 mask over the mess when I have to go out, so as to not scare small children or gross out adults.

I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to get through this. I am trying to sleep on my back with my head on two pillows, which is not my normal sleeping position. Thanks in advance DU.

[ALBliberal]

1. I had surgery a few months ago on the side of my nose

MOHS surgery as well but somehow avoided the graft. A skin flap was utilized. My heart goes out to you.

[rzemanfl]

4. I had flaps for the MOHS surgery I had in January on the side of MY nose.

A lot of sewing was involved. It is healing nicely. Did you use silicone scar products? My plastic surgeon advised me to. They seem to help healing,

[ALBliberal]

6. Many stitches. Third surgery on my nose

second MOHS. Squamous cell skin cancer. The stitches were removed a week after surgery. And every thing is healing nicely. I feel for the OP. It is so traumatic to have nose surgery. And a graft? Has to be so tough. And tip of the nose would be really challenging.

No silicone scar products recommended or used-but seems to be doing ok. Surgeon did a nice job. Thankful you are healing well.

[rzemanfl]

8. All of mine were basal.

The day before my most recent surgery I was at the racetrack and there was a horse named MOHS in one of the races. I considered that an omen and bet the horse across the board. I lost six bucks when the horse came in fifth. The doctors all got a kick out of the racing program I gave them.

It took four tries before the cancer cells were all gone and the plastic surgeon could patch me up. Not a fun day.

[ALBliberal]

9. Tough surgery for sure. Funny about the horse!

[MLAA]

2. When I had to sleep more upright on my back I used a wedge pillow set...it was more comfortable than stacking pillows and

It kept me from rolling over on my side.

Something like this: https://www.target.com/p/yeerswag-6-piece-ergonomic-wedge-pillow-set-for-back-leg-support/-/A-94251729#lnk=sametab

There are less expensive ones also. Good luck!

[rzemanfl]

3. I have a leg wedge pillow and will try it tonight. Thanks!

Oh, and congratulations on your 19,000 posts!

[MLAA]

10. Thanks! I didn't even notice it!

[Alice Kramden]

5. I had that 3 years ago and it worked out well

The initial graft resembled the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz - triangular and rather large. I don't know what a bolster is, but they allowed me a smaller bandage after several days and it wasn't hard to keep dry. The first bandage was bigger than Bozo's nose! The scar was not so noticeable after a few months, and in the meantime I too wore masks for the same reason! Wishing you the best!

[rzemanfl]

7. I had the big bandage for a MOHS surgery on the side of my face.

Here's info about a bolster-https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Surgery/PlasticSurgery/BolsterCarepostop.pdf

Where did they take the skin from for your graft? The doctor took mine from my forehead. My hair will cover the scar. I am fortunate to have a full head of hair at 77.

[Alice Kramden]

11. They took the skin

From up higher on the nose, I believe, and that's why the stitches for the triangular shape of the graft made me look like the Scarecrow. I guess that the huge Bozo bandage was a bolster. The surprise to me was how many muscles actually involve the nose - movements from my eyebrows and mouth caused unexpected discomfort