Unhappy with cosmetic results of Moh's surgery. Can you help?

Question

Hello. I've recently had Moh's surgery on my nose for a basal cell removal. I had sixteen stitches, plus some internally. I had the external stitches removed yesterday, 7 days after the surgery. The scar looks much better than expected. All swelling seems to be gone. What I'm having an issue with is my nostrils are no longer symmetrical. One is bigger than the other from the front view and points upward more. I won't be happy with this cosmetically. Any advice?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Scar treatments may help improve your scar and the resulting asymmetry in the nose. I would massage with Plato's Scar Serum twice daily to smoothe the scar and reduce tension. Best, DR. Karamanoukian

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest posting photos.  Also, i have all my patient use biocorneum after suture removal and get laser treatment 3-6 weeks after as well.  This gives the best ultimate outcome in most instances. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

As has been
correctly pointed out, Moh’s surgery is a procedure to remove skin cancer cells
in a very delicate manner to preserve as much normal tissue as possible to
minimize the end result and the ultimate scar. 
The scar itself will continue to improve and you may see some changes in
your nostril position over time, or you may need to have a second procedure to
cosmetically correct this – after about 6 months after the procedure.  You have your nose and that is a good thing
so understand that there are things that can be done – consult back with your
surgeon and learn the options, but thank him or her for preserving your nose.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Remember that Mohs is NOT a cosmetic procedure. It is a procedure to remove CANCER with as much tissue preservation as possible. The point here is that you are lucky you had treatment and have a nose at all. If left alone the cancer could have grown to a size that could have removed the entire end of your nose and both nostrils. Let's remember the point here was to remove cancer. And not get you perfectly symmetrical nostrils. With that being said, you should not look for any kind of revision for at least 6 months. In the nose particularly there is a lot of swelling and unevenness which is common right now. Let things calm down before you worry. And really, again, be happy that your nose is cancer-free. That was the goal here!

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Unhappy with cosmetic results of Moh's surgery. Can you help?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin cancer specialist in Los Angeles

Answer: Skin cancer specialist in Los Angeles

Answer: Scar After Mohs

Answer: Scar After Mohs

Answer: What to do when you're unhappy with Mohs Surgery results

Answer: What to do when you're unhappy with Mohs Surgery results

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Answer: Mohs surgery and nostrils are uneven

Answer: Mohs surgery and nostrils are uneven

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.