I'd imagine that there are a few in this forum that have had the radial forearm free flap done. How long until the new skin toughens up?

I had my flap site patched up with skin taken from my thigh. One thing I have noticed is that it is still relatively easy to scratch the surface of the skin, sometimes annoyingly so. Simple things like putting on a backpack can scratch it if I'm not careful.


Dx 2014Jan29 (42 yr old otherwise fit nonsmoker)
SCC tongue stage III T3N0M0
subtotal glossectomy, partial neck dissection, RFFF, trach, NG tube 2014Feb25 16 days in hospital
RAD 25 zaps 2014May5-2014Jun9
Back to work, paddling & hiking shortly afterwards