Skin Grafting Treatment in India

Neha Chopra, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Neha Chopra, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had a small, irregular mole on her calf that began to change. A biopsy confirmed it was a Stage I melanoma. The surgical excision to remove the cancer left a deep, 4cm wound that would not heal properly on its own. Her dermatologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended a split-thickness skin graft, explaining it was the best way to ensure complete wound closure, reduce infection risk, and achieve a functional, cosmetic result. The procedure, done under general anesthesia, took skin from her upper thigh. The immediate aftermath was challenging; the graft site felt tight and strange, and the donor site on her thigh was painfully raw, like a severe burn. For weeks, Neha was on strict rest, carefully tending to both sites, terrified of graft failure. Emotionally, she swung between gratitude for the cancer's removal and anxiety about her altered body and the lengthy recovery. Six months later, the graft has taken fully. The skin is smooth, though slightly discolored and less sensitive. The relief is profound. She no longer sees a reminder of cancer when she looks at her leg, but a badge of survival. She's back to chasing her kids in the park, her emotional journey having moved from fear to resilience and a renewed appreciation for her health.