Mohs Surgery: Q&A

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MOHs - Inner Ear: Heal on Own Vs Graph?

Had MOHs surgery today to remove basal cell inside my ear. 42 yr old white male. Most of the inside skin was scraped out. At a glance it was missing so much the skin it was all white. I was told there was cartilage involvement which was scraped also, but the structure remained intact. I initiated a conversation about a graph for repair. He said it would be best healing on its own. He did punch about 9 holes and said this will help the skin fill in the area. Am considering a plastic surgeon. Thoughts?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by 3241716

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Mohs on the inner ear

Glad to hear your skin cancer was removed. Mohs surgeons are trained in the removal of skin cancer while sparing normal tissue and are also experts in reconstructive surgery. No other specialist does as much reconstructive surgery on the face than a busy Mohs surgeon. Once the cancer is out, there are a few options to reconstruct the wound and letting it heal on its own is an option. This option takes several weeks to heal but the advantage is that you are able to resume activity much sooner... more

Mohs Surgery Repair of Ear

Concave areas tend to heal well by secondary intention healing (i.e. allowing the wound to heal by itself). The conchal bowl, that concave area near the external auditory canal (ear canal), frequently heals well by itself. If the area surrounding the ear canal is involved, a graft might be used to minimize scarring around the canal. Fenestration of the cartilage (punching holes in it) is sometimes used to faciliate healing. No one can give you an informed opinion over the internet. A... more

Second intention healing and skin graft are both reasonable options

Thank you for your question regarding the common scenario that dermatologic surgeons face on an almost daily basis. First, I am glad you chose to have your skin cancer treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. It is well-established as the standard of care and highest cure rate procedure for non-melanoma skin cancers such as yours. Regarding the choice to let the surgical wound heal in on its own, that is a more complex choice, and I... more

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Every surgeon has their own techniques. When in doubt, it is best to seek a second opinion. Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to discuss your expectations and concerns.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Mohs Surgery: Q&A