Had Mohs surgery 2 days ago

shadesofidaho

2/ 9/09 12:05am

Do not worry your scar will fade fast. I had this done to my eye years ago and when they finally got done the scar was not even visable. I did have the BCC return about 20 years later in the scar line so I know it was the same one. I used a little black salve on it and cleared it right up myslef. Been several years again and no sign of it so far.

I also removed a BCC from my nose and it took away skin to the cartledge with a gaping hole covering one side of the rounded part of my lower nose. Scared my self half out of my whits. It healed just fine and can barely see the scar. I can feel a dent there but it does not show unless you look really close and know what to look for.

So hang in there you will be just fine. Try baby wipes to clean around your face. They will refresh you with out getting you wet.

Chris

from ma

2/10/09 11:27pm

Thanks Chris!

deb

5/17/09 3:33am

chris did you have plastic surgery?

deb in cincinnati

from MA

2/10/09 11:30pm

So I went back today to get my stitches out - very relieved as I was getting sick of explaining to people who would ask what happened when they saw the huge bandage.

Getting the 18 stitches out didn't really hurt - the odd little sting. The scar is about 1.25 inches long - relatively flat - quite red but considering the huge hole it's pretty impressive that it's so flat and neat.

The nurse put steristrips on and said I'm good to shower tomorrow, the strips should fall off within 3 days to 2 weeks. I will try to post a photo at some point.

Kim

2/18/09 7:51am

Reading your story has been very helpful.. I feel like its my own. I just today had the procedure done for a BCC on the side of my nose and on my shoulder. My nose is sore and I'm a little bummed at the large snowball-looking bandage and increased cut size he made for the stitching up. I'm in Germany, so things are a little different, but he claims its the same type of procedure (MOHs) only they cant immediately test it. I had to wait a day. The shot in my nose hurt like crazy to me! (Curious if they did anything to numb it first for you?) I dreaded having the shot again today, and even more since he had to do a larger area. I feel like it will be bruised, but hoping it isnt toooo bad by June, for my 20 yr reunion and hoping that the German precision shows itself by minimal scarring! Not a fun process, but peace of mind that there's no more bad cells is reassuring..

p.s. Glad I showered and exfoliated beforehand too!

abby

3/28/09 11:02am

HI

I don't know if you saw my post- about my mohs surgery on my nose done Feb 18th- I went to a plastic surgeon to have it closed- it has been about 6 and a half wks now- and I am due to see my mohs surgeon on April 7th- I wonder how long if ever will it look ok. the plastic Dr.- said it would be great- ( it isn't)- kind of red- the thin vertical line- ok by me( the mohs surgeon told me from day 1 that even w/ plastic surgeon there would be a scar)- but this is more than just the thin line( could handle that)- how are you doing

Would you get back to me ??? Please

abby

3/28/09 11:02am

HI

I don't know if you saw my post- about my mohs surgery on my nose done Feb 18th- I went to a plastic surgeon to have it closed- it has been about 6 and a half wks now- and I am due to see my mohs surgeon on April 7th- I wonder how long if ever will it look ok. the plastic Dr.- said it would be great- ( it isn't)- kind of red- the thin vertical line- ok by me( the mohs surgeon told me from day 1 that even w/ plastic surgeon there would be a scar)- but this is more than just the thin line( could handle that)- how are you doing

Would you get back to me ??? Please

abby

3/28/09 11:02am

HI

I don't know if you saw my post- about my mohs surgery on my nose done Feb 18th- I went to a plastic surgeon to have it closed- it has been about 6 and a half wks now- and I am due to see my mohs surgeon on April 7th- I wonder how long if ever will it look ok. the plastic Dr.- said it would be great- ( it isn't)- kind of red- the thin vertical line- ok by me( the mohs surgeon told me from day 1 that even w/ plastic surgeon there would be a scar)- but this is more than just the thin line( could handle that)- how are you doing

Would you get back to me ??? Please

From MA

3/29/09 4:33pm

Just a 1 inch thin red line at this point - I can easily hide it with make up if I can be bothered (which I usually can't!) - it's sort of in the crease from nose to mouth where you smile.

Did they not close it when you had the cancer taken out? It's been almost 2 months for me now, I might get laser but if I couldn't have it I really wouldn't be bothered. I've been using BioOil and rubbing that in

Hope it goes OK for you

Pat

4/20/10 2:33pm

I had a biopsy performed on my nose by a dermatologist assistant which turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma. I was to have Mohs surgery performed by the dermatologist himself, not ever meeting him until the surgery date. I decided to go to a well known plastic surgeon to have a consultation IN PERSON and have him do the procedure. The first office procedure was only done in one session, luckily. It was probably the size of a dime on the end of my nose. The second procedure was done out-patient in the hospital where skin was brought down from my upper nose to cover the affected area. The first thing handed to me was a mirror . I was horrified. I had instructions for the first 24 hours. I was to go back to his office in one week. Then again at the end of July 1010. The second procedure was done on March 17, 2010. I was so scared that I went back the next day to make sure this was how I was supposed to look. The nurse globbed on a ton of vasoline and sent me on my way. At my one week check the same nurse told me I was using way too much vasoline, I only needed to was with peroxide and use a very thin layer of vasoline. She said she would see my in July. Two weeks later I went back again because I cannot believe how bad my scar looks. At that time she told me I should definitely not be using peroxide or vasoline anymore. I would have been doing this until July if I hadn"t gone back. She sold me a scar cream for a million dollars and adhesive pads to wear at night because the doctor feels this will really help it to heal. How in the world would I have known any of this. I am at week 5 and look hideous. As I told the doctor and staff (who seemed to care at the time) my daughter is getting married in July this year. We will all be going on a three day cruise. They all guaranteed that I will look great by then. There is no way at this rate. I'm sure these offices do many, many procedures such as mine, however, as a patient this is a first for me and it's right on my nose. How about an instruction sheet week by week of what to expect. This has been a nightmare so far. I only hope it heals soon. Reading the information on this site it sounds more like 6-12 months. Anyone else had a similar situation. Thanks, Pat

Pamela

3/ 6/09 1:08pm

Thank you so much for writing this!! I have a bcc on my check and know that Mohs is an option...do you think you will treat with laser afterwards?? How did it look after you had the stitches removed?? Good Luck, Pamela

Me again

3/ 6/09 1:34pm

Thanks for the comments.

It's about 3 weeks later now and I am SUPER impressed with the results. Considering the pretty big hole that was there in my cheek, the scar is relatively flat and not super noticeable.

I had the steristrips on for about a week. It is quite red - to be expected as it's only been a few weeks - but I think it will fade really nicely. I am moisturising - bought some Bio-Oil and Aquaphor - as it does feel a little tight. Sort of a little numb in one area still.

It is remarkably flat (excellent suturing job I think!), there is a slightly raised area at the bottom of the scar (it's about 1.5 inches long) - I guess when you pull a circle together there is more skin at the bottom. I plan on seeing how it goes and maybe doing the dermabrasion or laser after 3 months but to be completely honest - if it wasn't an option I would be OK with how it looks at the moment.

Someone asked if they numbed before the procedure - yes!!! I had 32 shots of lidocaine in total. Not very nice but not agonizing.

The snowball bandage was pretty stupid looking but I think it does a good job of applying pressure and flattening the tissue.

I'm about 6 feet away from a mirror right now and you can barely see the scar. Of course if you're talking to me then it would be obvious.

I think I was lucky that it all went so well and that it was to the side of my nose and not "in" my nose so the reconstruction was good.

I would HIGHLY recommend the Leahy Clinic in Burlington where I had my procedure done - they were SO nice to me (and in my opinion, are very skilled in this type of procedure)

John Foy

3/ 8/09 8:47am

Based on my own experience a year ago, the description of the experience is very close to mine.

Daily use of sunprotection applied before going outdoors is mandatory afterwards.

bummedinboston

3/13/09 5:36pm

whoa....... I'm glad I did not do my homework. I had surgery yesterday for basal cell (teeny) on my face. I cannot believe that I now have 18 stitches in my face and it is swollen like crazy. I was not expecting this at all.

In MA

3/13/09 6:54pm

Hey

I'm the original poster. I guess it depends on where it is on your face but assuming it was pretty straightforward then I'm sure you'll heal great.

I had a tiny basal one too - also didn't do my homework - and was shocked to come home with 20 something stiches underneath and 20 on top. It's been about 5 weeks now and it is so much better than I thought it would be.

Someone in work asked me if one of my cats had scratched me - that's really all it looks like - a sort of 1 inch thin red scratch - and it will fade.

Best of luck - I felt pretty bad and shocked for the first week but I'm so happy about how it all worked out. They had originally suggested I see someone in Plastics but I wonder if they would have got it all out?

Hope you feel better

Anonymous

3/25/09 12:58pm

thank you so much for sharing, i just found yesterday i am having the mohs done, on april 27th, i did my research and i still feel like its going to be simple cut but after seeing pictures and reading post it sounds like a big deal, did you have pain or a lot of swelling? i am just curious what to expect..thanks again for sharing..

kmk818

4/ 3/09 10:53pm

MOH's for facial BCC above upper lip---looks like I'll have the surgery very soon.

Would appreciate comments on:

(1) how you checked out surgeon (if not done by trusted referral)

(2) degree of discomfort afterwords (say, one week)

(3) whether you have/will consider 'reconstructive surgery' later on...

Many thanks!

Anonymous

9/26/09 7:55pm

i am having the Mohs done on Tuesday and am beginnig to get rather anxious. I have a bcc that is about an inch in diameter over by my left ear, and might even extend onto my ear lobe. I can't imagine how much tissue he will take and the surgeon even said he may have trouble closing it smoothly because it is on the jaw line. I work with children so have taken the remainder of the week off so they won't be frightened by the bandage or try to pull it off my face!

I appreciate all the differing opinions, but think I had better stop reading now or I will be popping Ativan for the next three days.lol

From MA

9/27/09 2:12am

Good luck with your surgery. I'm glad I didn't read too much prior :-)

My scar is almost invisible 7 months later, it's a faint 1 - 1.5 inch line in my nasolabial fold (the lines that run from nose to mouth although I'm early 30's so they're not too wrinkly)

Someone else asked the level of discomfort - When I came home I felt kind of crappy, just like my face had been punched maybe? I had a ton of lidocaine shots so it was really swollen. I just took a couple of Tylenol. Ate some thin soup and was kind of dribbly.

Day 2 was fine, I stayed home but only because I was feeling sorry for myself. I was doing laundry, making dinner etc. I went to the cinema in the evening but felt very self conscious with the big bandage on

And then someone asked how I found my surgeon - I got TOTALLY lucky. I knew Lahey clinic had a good reputation and they assigned me a MOHS surgeon who was SO nice and obviously very precise and careful as my scar is perfect.

Hope that helps. I get little email reminders if someone posts to my original message so that's why I'm checking in.

Upper lip surgery

10/12/09 1:45pm

How did your surgery and healing process go? I am scheduled for MOHS on the upper lip, and am to go straight to plastic surgery the same day. I am very interested to hear about your experience.

Anonymous

1/ 5/10 8:11pm

I saw your posting it was like mine. I have about 1/2 inch BCC by my right ear. I also work with children and don't want to scare them with the patch. I just got word that its a BCC so I still have some more apps. before I can get the surgery. How was yours? It sounded like mine did it leave a scar??? How long did the surgery take??? Hope you are doing well...Please get back to me if you read this.

Grace

1/ 5/10 8:38pm

I am now 3 months post and am somewhat pleased withthe results. The initial incision was frightful,the size of a half dollar, and he went back a second time to get it all. The incision was extended to a Z that pulled the circular incision together at the top then went down along my upper jaw line, and ends at the tail of the Z going down along the SCM muscle on the side of my neck. It was about 30 stictches internally and the same on the outside. My surgeon was very meticulous!

I was not terribly uncomfortable from pain, nor did I have much swelling or bruising post-operatively. I used ice every hour 20 minutes on, for the first 24 hours, and I think that made a big difference in the healing. But I stayed inside from Tuesday through the weekend,and until after I had the stitches out. I felt awfully self-conscious about the 4x4 bandage that I needed to cover the incision. I found skin colored,non-stick bandages by Band-Aid that made it less obvious since I have fair skin that is very freckled.

Because of the site of the scar, most people do not notice it now. I am most self-conscious about the semicircular wrinkles that are still obvious on my cheek. And I do not have sensation from my mid-ear level to mid-cheek down along my jaw bone about a thumb length. I have on elittle spot where the end of the scar is bumpy and I may have that looked at to see if he can smooth it out.

Otherwise, I would recommend my surgeon from UConn Health Center and his staff who were all very professional and reassuring.

Grace

1/ 5/10 8:57pm

I responded to an earlier response with the subject: re: mohs surgery s/p 3 months, if you can find that. My scar is healing quite well.It took 50+ stitches to close it after two resections. The surgeon had to do a z-plasty in order to prevent the skin from puckering, and everyone tells me it looks great! Still numb in that half of my face though.

I was schocked at the size of the incision and my husband nearly fainted when he saw it, so if you are faint of heart, do not look at the wound before they close it up!

I had one child attempt to pull off the small bandaid after I went back to work after the stitches came out. Another said "ut-oh, boo-boo" but other that that the children were non-plussed by t!

Good luck. Use ice 20 minutes on, 40 off for the first day or two. Take tylenol or motrin in large doses for the first 48 hours, and I hope you will be fine!

Nolberto

3/16/09 8:04pm

I had the same experience. I was surprised at how invasive the proceedure appeared to be after I took off the bandage. I guess I thought that it was just going to be a little scraping and then I would be done with it. I did not ask to see how much or what it looked like as it was getting done, I thought it would be a lot smaller than it turned out. I guess my first clue was when I felt all those little stitches going in. I use plavix (a blood thinner) so it was harder for the surgeon to stop the bleeding. I am sure it will leave some scarring, but it should not be too bad once it is completely healed.

Ginnie

3/21/09 9:34pm

I have basal cell on my chin, will have Mohs surgery and plastic surgery. It seems like a large area, and I am concerned about the results. I will have this done April 5th.

abby

3/26/09 6:35pm

I had Mohs surgery on the side of my nose too- 2 passes- the worst part was the plastic surgeon ( who I think by the hour between surgery and seeing him all the novacaine wore off and he had to inject a new round- that was very very uncomfortable)- but he is a really big shot plastic surgeon in NY city- and even though my mohs surgeon told me - no matter what- I would have a scar-I decided to have a plastic surgeon close it up- he said after the stitches came out that it was healing nicely and I would probably never even notice it was there. Wrong- it now has been 7 wks- and it is still kind of irritated and of course- a small line (vertical)- does this seem right. I guess I expected better.

Leeleemmm

4/ 2/09 4:47pm

Hi, I've now had BCC three times and a fourth just popped up -- all on my nose. My nose wasn't that big to begin with so it is distressing that they keep recurring there. In any event, I have gone just the MOHS route (which I still think is the way to go for removal) with removal and repair of the damage. I can say that it is always better to have a situation where your dermatologist has a plastic they work with so they can do the closure and any reconstruction that may be needed. My last one was done that way and the scar was minimal in comparison to the one before which still horrifies me to this day. The problem is you never know how big it is going to be until they get in there and while your derm may be certified in MOHS, he or she is not a plastic surgeon by trade. It's your face!

As for the scarring, you need to get nearly nine months out before you can truly judge. It truthfully takes about that long.

So, I'll be going in again soon which is a complete bummer. The only upshot is that the BCC is on the same side of my nose as the botched repair was so I get a second shot at fixing the appearance with a good plastic and have it covered by insurance. I guess we always have to look at the bright side.

Anyway, keep on your block and good luck to all!

deb

5/17/09 3:31am

I too kust had 2 passes on the left side of my nose. Freaked out about the hole and now they want me to see a Plastic surgeon..do you all think this is necessary or just allow to heal. Its so dramatising and not sure if i want to go thru anyhting else..help with advice

Deb

Ann

6/25/09 4:12pm

Did you end up with a surgical repair or just let it heal? I just had the surgery 2 days ago and the dermatologist and the plastic surgeon said let it heal on its own and see what happens. How does yours look now? Mine is along the left side of my nose where my nose and face meet (or used to meet). The plastic surgeon said its not bad or too deep and the scaring will blend in the crease of my nose. If feel like it is huge and very deep (I guess we all feel that way when we are the ones wearing it right?).

feedee

4/ 6/09 2:55pm

I just got home from my nasal MOHS. Yep, I'm sore and it hurts a bit. Going to pop aspirin for a couple of days--no offer of pain meds. Consulting with the derm recommended plastic surgeon tomorrow and then reconstructive the day after. I look a little like a female Phantom of the Opera right now and the oozing in my nostril tickles. Why did this have to be on the side of the tip of my nose? Parents, smother your children with the highest number sun block available. My dear mom smothered me in olive oil, baby oil, etc. and baked me to a crisp! I looked great then, but thank God I'm too old to be vain today. All I care about now is that it only took the one slicing procedure to do the trick because I was dreading more numbing shots. "This may burn a little" has to be the UNDERSTATEMENT of all time! Wish me luck.

Chicken Little

6/ 8/09 8:20pm

yikes - I am researching for Mohs surgery in a couple of weeks - bcc on tip of nose - and my research is not very comforting. Just picked your comment to reply to because I wanted to say to SOMEONE, thanks for sharing your experience; not because it soothing (cause it wasn't) but because you sound brave and we are all in the same boat. I was a crispy critter most of my first 40 years - am now 64 and not very vain but no matter how old you get, you still have people reacting to your face.

feedee

6/ 8/09 9:10pm

Chicken Little---It's going to be okay. I'm in your age bracket and we Baby Boomers and our parents just didn't know any better.

The MOHS itself doesn't hurt. The lidocaine injections DO hurt. My derm and her nurse gave me a soft rubber ball to squeeze during the injections. If your doc doesn't have one, bring one with you. I think there were at least 6 shots and each hurt terribly.

When you're finished with the MOHS, you look hideous for awhile, but you're cancer free.

I had to have plastic surgery 2 days after the MOHS. Cartilege was removed from my ear and then I honestly looked frightening with it stuck on the side of my cheek/nose. I was in self-imposed isolation for a week, and then would only go out with gauze and bandages covering all the grotesque appearance. Believe it or not, the ear hurt more during the healing process than the nose did.

I had a second surgery a month later to finish the procedure. I look okay--not great, but haven't had to cover my face at all. The scar actually follows my laugh line on the side of my mouth and I'm using a silicone based scar treatment to help.

This whole thing sucks, no getting around that. However, I am so glad that the cancer is gone and I'd rather deal with foundation to cover a scar than face cancer.

I joke now that as a woman I always sort of hoped for plastic surgery and silicone one day, but I sure didn't expect THIS! I guess when they say be careful what you wish for....LOL.

You will be fine. Thank God we have doctors today who can do this work. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cardinal

4/12/09 12:10am

Has anyone on this forum ever used CYMILIUM or CURADERM for treatment of skin cancer?

Do you think these products would work?

http://www.cymilium.com/SkinCancer.html

http://www.curaderm.net/technology/diseasestreatablenmc.aspx

Tonya

5/ 7/09 1:33pm

I am having the Mohs surgery done. I start next Tuesday. I say start because I have six total that have to be removed. I am 44 and am quite nervous.

waterlily550

5/25/09 3:10pm

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Yes, it helps me a lot. I won't be so crazy if they take quite a bit. It's also good to know feeling punked or sad is normal. My surgery is coming up and sometimes, as I read about the procedure, I feel tears sting a little and that has surprised me. I guess that's what it is; a loss - a mourning of sorts - for the outward and visible sign of disease and dare I say, mutilation, even. We'll all be fine for quite some time, I'm sure. I work for hospice and I'm constantly amazed not at, "what kills us," but how long we can live with different challenges - and, not succumb. Blessings all over all of you.

Anonymous

5/30/09 8:15pm

I had my surgery one week ago. I, too, thought it would be a small wound with a few stitiches on the side of my nose. Afterall, I only had one stage. When the dr. showed me the hole, I cried! But I cried even more when I took the bandage off and saw stitching from the corner of my eye to the nostril. My eye on that side of my nose was swollen and purple. I felt "under the weather" for three days - not really pain, but I think shock, anger and loss. I have been wearing a bandaid on my face all week because the stitching/scar is just too fresh for the public to look at. I sure hope it improves. The plastic surgeon did say it takes 9 months. Thank you for all the responses on this site. It helps to know you are not alone with this situation.

from MA

6/25/09 11:05pm

Hey - I guess I get updates when someone posts as I was the original poster. Just wanted to say hang in there.

It will be exactly 5 months next week since my surgery (3 passes on the side of my nose, 30 plus shots of lidocaine, a bunch of sutures under the skin and a bunch on top, face swollen like a football and puckered looking scar when sutures were removed) and now people can't believe what I had done when I tell them. Seriously - they're not being polite.

I have the faintest scar about 1 3/4 inches long - from about half way down the side of my noise to about halfway between my nose and mouth. I'll admit I was lucky because they could hide it in my nasolabial fold (the sort of natural line you have from your noise to the outer corner of your mouth).

My dermatologist told me I could go back for laser or dermabrasion and I'm not racing in. I might at some point as there is still a little redness around that area (esp if I have a glass of wine!) and I think the laser could help with the tiny broken blood vessels but I am SO happy with my result.

I've been COVERING myself in sunscreen, loving the cooling neutrogena sprays and I will be going back for regular follow ups.

So just want to say "good luck" to anyone undergoing this at the moment. Realistically I know there is a good chance I'll get another (I'm super-fair skinned, had a couple of sunburns as a child, I'm only 33) and I would have MOHS in a heartbeat. I know it's not 100% (what is?) but I would take the reassurance of 99% clear over a better scar.

Anonymous

6/25/09 11:55pm

Thank you so much for updating us on your progress. It is wonderful to hear of your satisfaction with your results. I am now about 5 weeks past surgery and feeling better about my results as well. I still shudder when I think of what has happened and I don't know if I'd rush into another surgery, but my result is getting better with each week, so I have hope that I'll look as good as you say yours is. Did your dr. tell you to massage the scar for 15 min each day? That's what my dr. said to do to increase blood circulation and decrease adhesions. Thanks again. Let me know how it looks at the 9 month mark. That's when my dr. says the final result can really be seen.

From MA

2/16/10 9:03pm

I did buy some bio-oil and massaged it in for maybe a week after the steri strips came off but being completely honest it kind of weirded me out. The part closest to my nose was numb for about 6 months - it still is a little numb now - and I would get kind of squeamish with the touch. So I stopped with the bio-oil and would just use regular moisturizer.

feeling better

8/19/09 2:44pm

First of all I had read everything I could find on this and was very concerned about the procedure. (I'm a total wimp). I had heard the "silver dollar"/80 stitches thing. I had the surgery this morning and it was really a piece of cake. Mine was a nodular basal cell -next to the crease of my nose. I went for a consult - and would recommend that to everyone because they explain EVERYTHING - and it save so much time when you are nervous before the procedure. I went to an office; this is all they do. The nurses and doctor were very patient, kind and gentle.

Procedure: One shot (teeny needle, not bad at all). Next shots you are numb. I had my ipod and listened (earbuds not headphones) and it helped so much. The procedure takes less that 5 minutes. The cauterize it to stop the bleeding and you are off to the waiting room. There were 6 of us in the waiting room, and it was very pleasant. I had a book and never ended up reading. Then if the lab technician says "a little bit more" they go in (this time to a very localized place); same procedure as the first time only this time you aren't nervous! They gave me more numbing which I didn't feel because I was numb from the first time. They told me they had gotten 90% but needed 'one more pass' at a tiny little place. Same thing - very quick. And then back to the private waiting room. They came to get me, cleaned the wound, numbed me some more (again, no pain) and asked me if I wanted to look at the wound. I did - and was pleasantly surprised. Mine was about the size of half a jelly bean length wise - and then they did the stitches; no graft and a linear cut. Some internal, some external. I go back one week from today to get them out. I can take a shower tomorrow. No alcohol for 72 hours. What I am understanding is that everyone's situation is different. When the grafts are necessary they are because it's in an area that may "pucker" slightly as the skin heals so the graft works much better and doesn't pucker.

Ask a million questions at the consult. You will leave feeling much better. I can't put makeup on the wound for 2 weeks. It's a teeny bit sore, but that's all. I haven't even taken a tylenol. If you scraped your knee, that's about how it feels. You notice it but it's not bad. Hope this is helpful - from someone who was terrified and wish I hadn't gotten all upset!

SGB

9/ 1/09 12:20pm

WOW! after reading all the posts regarding BCC and the likes, I wanted to add my two cents in hopes that my suggestions might prepare the next person faced with any type of skin cancer removal.

Really, I can't express enough the need for someone who might be about to go under the knife to ask a LOT of questions. Take from these posts and develop a series of questions that would address issues of concern; How and why did this cancer come about?, types of skin cancers, types of surgical procedures, post-opt procedures, scaring, medications for healing of suture lines, etc. You can do your home work online and derive an incredible amount of knowledge from these sources but you are paying this doctor (s) a considerable amount of money to perform an invasive procedure. And while they can't tell the future, they should be able and willing to take the time to educate you about what is coming.

Make sure your doctors are accredited in MOHS surgeries. I also think it would be helpful to have a Derm Doc and a plastic surgeon that work in tandem, maybe from the same office.

Consider the advice of the first poster; if you are scheduled to have a MOHS procedure, please take someone with you who is capable of driving you home. In my case, I was not informed of how invasive it could/would be. Even though I did my "online" due diligent , I was NOT prepared. I also had a bit of a reaction to the anesthetic that they shot up and around my nose. So much that it drained down the back of my throat and into the stomach. Very unpleasant.

The MOHS procedure is the finest for removal of BCC cancers. A micrographically controlled technique, it was developed to minimize the amount of tissue the derm has to take. Taking just the cancerous cell and sparing healthy tissue present. With that understanding, you can see why we say it is a very invasive procedure none the less.

To end this post, I would like to greatly emphasize how important it is to see a dermatologist regularly. Especially those who like the great outdoors. While sunscreen is a good, necessary protective application, you can't beat once a year checks by a trained eye. No different from well baby care, mammograms and yearly dental exams and cleanings. Better safe than sorry! God Bless

carol

10/ 6/09 8:23pm

I am in the Mohs lineup for surgery next week..I guess I like everyone am nervous as all get out..but more concerned about going to work...what do you folk think...I went to work after the biopsy with this bandaid almost covering my eye...should I plan on being out more than one day (the day of surgery)???? I have a high pressure job in a one girl office...thanks for all the write ups it certainly helps to understand what is going to happen...think I will also bring my ipod

carol

10/ 6/09 8:24pm

I am in the Mohs lineup for surgery next week..I guess I like everyone am nervous as all get out..but more concerned about going to work...what do you folk think...I went to work after the biopsy with this bandaid almost covering my eye...should I plan on being out more than one day (the day of surgery)???? I have a high pressure job in a one girl office...thanks for all the write ups it certainly helps to understand what is going to happen...think I will also bring my ipod

Anonymous

10/ 7/09 5:02pm

I was able to resume normal activity the next day. My husband cut the bandaid down for me so that it just barely covered the cut! He made it an hourglass shape. I bought two different brands of bandaids ahead of time - and compared them to my skin tone. I think I would suggest taking the tylenol or pain medication immediately after the surgery and before the numbing wears off. Mine felt like a rug burn. It really isn't anywhere near as bad as your imagination tells you it will be! Good luck!

rjm4k

11/ 5/11 9:14pm

Thank you. This is the only post to help my being nervous. I have BCC next to my nose. I am sceduled for surgery December 7. Closure by a plastic surgeon December 8. I hope I have an experience like yours, and not the horror stories here. But I guess you only know that day. If I had known about this crap would have never gone in the sun. I had BCC removed from my chest in August. The scar is about 1.5 inches and raised at this point. I am hoping it flattens and fades eventually. But of course the one on my face is the bigger concern.

From MA

9/ 1/09 1:34pm

Well, I went for my 6 month check up last week and everything is good for another 6 months.

Considering how much tissue was removed/the number of stitches my scar is AMAZING. I was out socially a few weeks back and one of our group was a dermatologist. I told him about my procedure and he said he hadn't even noticed (and I don't think he was being polite).

I now slather on the sunscreen religiously and check all my little moles/freckles. I would do the MOHS over again absolutely as I know the % recurrence rate is so much better,

TXGAL

9/10/09 6:03pm

Glad to hear that everything went well with your follow-up. I also want to thank you for starting this post.

I just had a biopsy performed on my nose on Tuesday and am awaiting the results to find out if it is BCC. I really hope it isn't; however, I won't be surprised if it is. Although, I'm not fair skinned, I completely abused the sun and tanning beds when I was younger. I also can't imagine that my dermatologist would do a biopsy on my face unless she felt pretty confident that it's BCC. I should know for sure in about another week.

John B.

9/18/09 6:59am

I also had a biopsy and was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma--small, but getting larger--and opted for the MOHS procedure--I had the procedure 10 days ago, and was also treated very well by the doctor and RN, and no real discomfort, although it is still a bit of a trauma to have something so personal done to your nose while you are concious--the doctor decided to use a skin graft which involved removing a small piece of skin from the surface of the outer ear pan, a chunk about half the size of a dime--both surgical sites were covered with bandages and I was instructed not to remove either for a week-- went back for the follow-up visit, had the stitches removed at the site of the graft, my nose is purple, but otherwise looks OK, and no other problems, and then, for no real apparent reason, I have had intense pain for the last three days, not on the nose, but at the site where the doctor removed the skin from the ear for the graft--went back to the doctor today, and he says that there can be a problem, occasionally, with the aftermath of such a procedure which involves the cartilege in the ear, and can apparently result in an infection--he has prescribed a weeks worth of an anti-biotic, and says not to worry, but my ear hurts so bad that I cannot sleep, at this time--hopefully the anti-biotic will kick in and give me some relief soon,but over-the-counter medication does not even touch this, and the pain killers he gave me after the procedure just make me feel strange, and the ear still hurts, anyway--I was totally un-prepared for this eventuality and the lack of sleep for the last two nights has made me very uncomfortable--

Stephen

1/ 5/10 9:07pm

If you did not have the Mohs Surgury, what was your other choice to remove the skin

cancer?

From MA

2/16/10 8:58pm

Just saw this question - they also said I could see a plastic surgeon who would remove the growth. I probably would have got a slightly better result but when I consider that they had to go back in three times to remove it all, I wonder if the plastic would have taken enough tissue to get it all? But it's hypothetical I guess.

Sharon

1/ 7/10 6:24pm

I had Moh's surgery 11/11 and it healed well for 2 weeks. I had 2 levels of surgery. The basal cell carsinoma was 2 1/2 inches wide of area removed. During Thanksgiving the area got extremely infected but no one in until the following Monday. Say the doctor, got oral antibiotics and things improved but didn;t heal still. After digging in the wound it was discovered that 2 internal stitches had some lose and tried to surface. They were removed and I had to do the bandages, etc, for 2 more weeks. It is finally healing but is still tender and very red. The area had a skin flap to close the area and I think when I returned to have the external stitches removed 2 internal stitches were disrupted. I still can not do yoga with my head in down dog and other poses. It hurts too much pressure-wise. I hope it improves later on, I miss doing yoga. I was told I only needed to take 1 extra day off. Not true, I had major swelling under the eye and throughout my face and terrible pressure. Luck for me I did the surgery on a Wednesday, called in sick Friday and had the weekend to get most of the swelling down on my face.

joy f

1/ 9/10 12:31pm

hi , i had my surgery yesterday and wsa scared to death of the needle but the surgen put the numbing stuff in really slow and i was fine. worried for nothing. they took off 2 layers. and put in lots of stiches . the pain that i had wasnt bad just glad to have the cancer gone thanks for your post which i read before my surgery

Anonymous

1/25/10 12:22am

I am having Mohs Surgery on the 23rd of Feb 2010. I would like to hear other stories of uppler lip mohs surgery, how the surgery went, how the lips healed etc. I am getting quite nervous, but it has to be removed.

tracy

1/25/10 2:43pm

hi

I had Mohs last Thursday and they took off one layer, I am working from home today and get stitches out tomorrow. The procedure is quick and it took like 5 minutes and ut doesnt hurt. The worst part is wearing a white bandage and people staring, coupled with a black eye. I am concerend about the scar but my plastic surgeon was very pleased and I already ordered dermacolor concealer, which is supposed to be the best for concealing scars. If you would like to email me I can send you pics or tell you more as I heal..

ackbisquit@yahoo.com

Natalie

2/ 4/10 12:28am

Hi,

Thanks for your reply, i would love to see pictures of before and after the surgery. Please email to nwhyte@netspace.net.au

Thanks

Natalie

Anonymous

2/16/10 7:51pm

I just had Mohs surgery on February 11. I ended up having 2 different kinds of cancer on my face. Both of the cancer sites were very close to each other. Each on the right side of my face. The BCC was the size of a dime close to my ear. The squamous cell was the size of a pin head closer to my eye. When I went in for the Mohs on the BCC he had the biopsy from before and told me of the SCC and I had a BCC on my shoulder. He ended up doing both sites on my face at the same time with Mohs. The BCC that was the size of a dime ended up being about the size of a half dollar hole in my face. The SCC that was the size of a pin head ended up being the size of a nickel. I of course wanted to see the sites after I got the clear sign. I couldn't believe what I saw and how big they were. I literally had 2 holes in my face! After reading some of the stories on this site, I kind of expected that. I was also cleared after my first round. When he went in to stitch he used dissolving stitches on both inside and out. The small SCC is about ½ inch. The BCC (the dime) is about a 2 inch on the side of my face very close to my ear. It had only been 5 days since and looking at in the mirror from far away you can't even notice them. Now looking at them up close you can see them. The part that really concerns me is how raised they are. It almost looks like I have a worm on my face. I also know they will go down, I just hope they do!

I also had a BCC on my shoulder. The doctor just scrapped the surface and burned it. He said that is going to scar more than my face. It's kind of gross since it's an open wound. It looks like it will probably be about the size of a nickel little bigger.

I go back in 2 weeks from my surgery to have more moles removed :( and have my checkup. I also didn't have a plastic do it. I just had my dermatologist stitch me up. So far I am happy. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask. I am only 26, and I know exactly how you feel. You are not alone!

From MA

2/16/10 8:56pm

So it's just over a year since I posted this - as the original poster I get email updates when someone adds a comment so I thought I'd check back in.

I have my one year check up next Friday and I have to say I have been so incredibly lucky with how my face healed - I just hope I don't have any reoccurrence - I know it's pretty likely but I got the all clear at my 6 month check up and I'm pretty religious about sunscreen and hats now.

I just went to Mexico in January and although a little part of me was sad that I couldn't get a little tan - who doesn't love the freckles across your nose? - I just had to think of that silver dollar size shape outlined with the blue sharpie marker and the big gaping hole in my face!

One year later - people are seriously shocked when I tell them of the procedure and the amount of stitches I had. And I don't think they're being polite when they say they can't see the scar.

In a weird twist of fate/irony I changed jobs last year and now work for an aesthetic laser company so I have easy access to all sorts of magical machines but to be completely honest you really can't see my scar and it doesn't bother me. If you look up close you can see a faint white line about 1.5 inches long - it gets a little red if I'm hot or I've had a glass of wine :). The other interesting thing about working for my new company is that we have pretty cool special photography machines - they can actually show the UV damage under your skin. I got them to take my picture and was FREAKED out - although I'm in my early thirties and have pretty pale skin, there is so much UV damage - I assume from stupid sunburns as a child and teenager.

I have friends who tan and I think they're sick of me trying to get them to stop!

Anyway, I'm glad this post maybe helped some people. I'm sticking with the sunscreen (particularly liking the Neutrogena aerosols with factor 60 or higher - they're not a greasy as other brands) and the hats and I seriously hope I don't have any more skin cancer. But if I do I'd totally have Mohs surgery again (although this time knowing more I'd probably be a bit more nervous but still think it's the best treatment) and I"d happily go to Leahy Clinic in Burlington MA again (my surgeon was Dr Mollie McCormick and she was so kind and skilled).

ImCarly

2/17/10 11:24pm

i find your basal story very helpful and thank you for writing about it but anyone ever heard of a basosqamous? it is a basal cell cancer but a different type and only a biopsy can tell what type of basal it is. my main concern with this type of cancer (basosqamous) is it's metastatic pattern. if there is anyone with a basosquamous i would like to hear more.

Ann Champion

7/27/10 12:12pm

I had a biopsy done a week ago on a bump that lies between the outer bottom edge of my nose and upper lip. I got the call this morning that it's BCC. I was referred to a dermatologist who performs the Moh's procedure. My Insurance has to approve the procedure or they won't pay. I'm in waiting mode right now.

I decided to look up the Moh's procedure so I'd have a good idea of what to expect.

It's very surprising to me to see how long the healing process takes. I'm terrified of the surgery, especially with the location of my BCC. There's no way of hiding a scar with a change of hairdo..etc.

At this time I don't know if my insurance will pay for any cosmetic procedures either, so I don't know if that's an option?

Thank you so much to all of you that have shared your experience. It doesn't make the surgery any less scary, but it's good to know what to expect.

Lindajay

8/ 5/10 10:19pm

I had a 2-level BCC removed from my left cheek on 6/23/10 and a second one (1-level) removed from the bridge of my nose near the inner corner of my right eye on 7/7/10. The one on my cheek had both internal and external stitches, while the one on the bridge of my nose the doctor chose to let heal without stitches (it was about as big around as a pencil eraser).

The one without stitches is healing very nicely. The one on my cheek, that had stitches, isn't too bad, but is still red and bumpy. I've just noticed, the past couple of days, that the end of one of the internal stitches is actually poking out of my skin. I read on the Internet that this is rather common. I'm going to just let it be until I go in, on 8/18 for the doctor to look at how I'm healing. Hopefully before then the stitch will dissolve and or fall off.

I was very lucky that the sizes of my BCCs were small, but even so, I was shocked at the size of the incisions, especially the one on my cheek. But how thankful I am for modern medicine, which can remove these cancers. I often think about people who suffered with these before there were such procedures!

ncsu99

4/ 5/11 12:31pm

I am a very fair-skinned redhead in my early 30s, and I always burn no matter how much sunscreen I use. I've known for most of my life that I'd end up with skin cancer, but I don't think you're ever truly ready to hear that news.

I had a relatively small blemish on the bridge of my nose near my eye that would go away, come back, go away again, etc. I ignored it for about a year, but it turned out to be BCC. And it turns out I have other spots on my face and legs that will require attention next.

I went to the Mohs Micrographic Surgery center at Duke in Durham, NC. I was so impressed with everyone's demeanor and the quality of the work. I was dreading the anesthesia, but it really wasn't as horrible as I was fearing. I brought work to do while in the waiting room. It was only about 5-6 hours total.

I had a skin flap, a lot of stitches, and considerable pain, but the surgeon said it is healing well. I only had to take Tylenol-3 the first two nights to sleep, but regular OTC Tylenol was strong enough otherwise. I have an internal stitch coming through the incision line, but it's not too bothersome.

I'm no longer dreading the next of what will probably be many surgeries.

I wish all of you the best and thanks for sharing your stories!

Yvonne in Texas

7/28/11 7:59pm

I had surgery on Tuesday (2 days ago). Yesterday (one day out) I felt good but some what tired.. Today, I feel like crap :( The incision area is sore with a lot of dizzy spells today. I had 6 phased done, right above my right eye/side of my forehead and it ended up being a bigger tumor than first thought. The incision is so large, my Dr had to put a temporary graft and in 2 wks, I will get stitches. I will have another Mohs procedure next week on a different area of my face. Despite liking my Dr and the nurses, this surgery took a lot out of me, mentally and physically. Btw, I had bcc with sclerosing.

Yvonne in Texas

7/28/11 8:00pm

I had surgery on Tuesday (2 days ago). Yesterday (one day out) I felt good but some what tired.. Today, I feel like crap :( The incision area is sore with a lot of dizzy spells today. I had 6 phased done, right above my right eye/side of my forehead and it ended up being a bigger tumor than first thought. The incision is so large, my Dr had to put a temporary graft and in 2 wks, I will get stitches. I will have another Mohs procedure next week on a different area of my face. Despite liking my Dr and the nurses, this surgery took a lot out of me, mentally and physically. Btw, I had bcc with sclerosing.

Mohs in Montreal

9/23/11 1:43pm

thank you - it did help me, I had Mohs surgery on Sept. 20th on my upper lip and am not sure about how much I should be talking or laughing - as this hurts the wound.

M.A.

11/23/11 1:23pm

Hi everybody Being a surgical medical assistant to a bunch of different mohs surgeons in the last few years, I was just reading through your comments and feeling bad for some of you. Almost everyone posts their surprise at the size of the wound afterwards which seems so much bigger than the size of the visible tumor. I wish the doctors you go to would explain better upon consultation. They should be telling you the cancers grow underneath like tree roots sometimes and can be larger than you think. It is so true that early detection plays a big role when it comes to the size it will end up upon surgery day. Always get your skin checked immediately after finding something abnormal and always get regular checks for those you may not see. The sooner the better and it could be only weeks. And as far as the repairs afterward, the surgeon (mohs or plastics) has to make it a little longer in order to pull in enough skin to cover the circular removal. The key in good repairs is how meticulous your Dr is. The little bumps some of you see at the end of a scar are most likely due to the doc not trimming the edges of the incision. Sometimes even after they've put in most of the sutures they must still then trim off a little bit of skin that will sort of bunch up at the ends. I've seen many a lazy surgeon skip this. Although so many mohs surgeons are really skilled at suturing (as much as a plastic surgeon) I think the best way to determine if you're getting a doctor that will take the time to make it as perfect as possble is to go to someone who doesn't seem to mind spending time at it. Unfortunately even a plastic surgeon could be an offender. If you're at a really busy office with a dr in a rush, beware. I work for one surgeon who is really good with his patients, always takes as much time as needed. He and his wife work on the repairs and they are both very meticulous. Great effort is put into a nice flat suture line. Patients show me the scars left and they look flat, smooth and great. In summary, find a doc who at consultation will answer all your questions and not make you feel rushed. Under normal circumstances, expect it to be bigger than you think, expect them to have to cut it a little longer when they repair it, and expect to go home with a large pressure bandage. If its on an extremity it will likely also be wrapped (with co-flex or ace bandage). With typical cases, you should be cleaning carefully with peroxide and THIN coating vaseline everyday. The vaseline is key as it keeps scabs from forming and scabs lead to more scarring, but do not overapply or the wound will stay too moist and prevent healing properly. Of course you could have some variance in wound care depending on your wound and your situation, but this is the typical recommended routine. Don't hesitate to call the office if you're not sure! A good Doctor should have just as good a staff, and everyone should be ready and willing to answer any questions or concerns no matter how small. If he/she has short-answering not so friendly staff, again, beware. Good luck guys

TN

3/12/12 11:35pm

I had Mohs surgery on 3/1/12. I had a chicken pox scar on the right side of my cheek since I can remember...but this turned out to be basal cell carcinoma and my dr said it had been there for many many many yrs. When I went to see him, my bcc was larger than what we expected, numerous injections in my face...that was the worst part of it. He removed the size of a half dollor on my cheek, I am now trying to recover from this, advised to keep vasaline on scar to help the healing process. I was cut above the right ear in a z shape down below r eye and jaw...my dr had me to smile before the surgery and drew line so it would be a fine line and he has performed a great job! This is a result from tanning in my younger years, from now on I'm wearing lots of sun screen and a straw hat when gardening...I will hope to help anyone with questions about BCC.

Had Mohs surgery 2 days ago

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