The most important aspect of long-term aftercare is protecting the affected area from the sun because the surgical scar will take about a year to mature and is only about 80% as strong as undamaged skin. Sunlight can cause burns, permanent redness, loss of pigment in the skin, and breakdown of the collagen that maintains the skin's elasticity.
Aftercare following the use of skin grafts or flaps is slightly more rigid. You will be scheduled to return to the Clinic at regular intervals so that your graft sites can be monitored. If artificial skin has been used you must keep the site(s) completely dry until advised otherwise – this may require specific restrictions around bathing or showering as well as clothing choice, i.e. wearing loose comfortable clothing can help reduce the disturbance to the treated area.
Massaging the treated areas after surgery when comfortable enough to do so (usually 2 weeks following surgery) is a very important part of the healing process and helps to soften your skin, adjacent tissue, and helps accelerate healing - you will be given exact instructions about aftercare and which movements when massaging would be best.