Everett Mohs Surgery doctors
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Laurie Jacobson, MD
Seattle Dermatologist
11011 Meridian Ave North 102, Seattle |
3 answers | |
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Gail C. De Imus, M.D.
Everett Dermatologic Surgeon
3726 Colby Avenue, Everett |
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Ronald Krueger, MD
Everett Facial Plastic Surgeon
3927 Rucker Avenue Gunderson Building, Everett |
Recent Answers
Dear doctors, I had a nodular BCC removed 2 days ago via MOHS - lateral to my right nostril in the nasal labial crease. Final incision extends from the right nostril following down the nasolabial crease, ceasing ~1cm from rt corner of mouth. I had no swelling the day after but woke up today with lots of swelling, no redness or signs of infections. I've been sleeping fairly upright, avoiding salt, lots of fluids. What else can I do to reduce swelling? Ice? OTC meds? Thank you!
Your post-operative description sounds very normal and you are doing all the right things. Make sure to avoid exercise or anything that raises your blood pressure as that can easily contribute to even more swelling. Also, having a firm 'pressure' dressing can be helpful too. If it seems unusual to you in any way, always let your doctor know and s/he can evaluate in person. Swelling after Mohs surgery can often last a week or more depending on the size of the cancer and the size of the repair that is required after its removal.
Right nasal bridge. There are strands and cords of basal cell between collagen bundles in a dense fibrous stroma. The stands and cords are compressed by the fibrous tissue, and there are some clefts between them and the stroma.
For a basal cell cancer on your nose, Mohs offers the lowest rate of recurrence (that it will come back again) and the best chance for a minimal scar. The other options that exist (excision, electrodessication and curretage, radiation) do not offer as high a clearance rate and often lead to suboptimal scarring. Make sure you look for a dermatologist with specialized training in Mohs surgery. Good luck.
What is the typical recovery and downtime from Mohs surgery? What should I expect for after care needs?
The most common issues patients deal with after Mohs are swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness. All of these side effects diminish over a few weeks after surgery and most are gone within a week or so. The location of the tumor, the size, and underlying patient status are what determine the extent of these side effects. For example, if a patient regularly takes aspirin, they are much more likely to bruise or if the tumor is near the eye, there is a much greater tendency for swelling.
I advise patients take Tylenol post operatively to help with pain management since drugs such as aspirin or motrin increase the tendency to bruise. If there is a lot of swelling, it helps to elevate the head as much as possible when lying down in bed with a few pillows.
