Facial Surgery: Nov. 6 Following Melanoma Removal. Strong Odor? Cause?

Thank you for your question. In this location, this was a very good choice of repair. A graft would also be a good choice, but this would cause a new wound (and thus another area that would need to then heal, and is at risk for infection), and so would be a bit less favorable depending on the...

Thank you for your question. This sounds like a typical wound healing after surgery with second intention healing, and no closure at the time of surgery. On the scalp, though it may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks and possibly longer, this often leads to an excellent cosmetic result and the wound...

Thank you for your question. The recommendation for any melanoma is to have it excised as soon as possible, typically within 2 weeks or so. The additional tests and follow up recommended for patients with melanoma should also be completed as well (e.g.: lab tests, chest x-ray, ophthalmology...

Thank you for your question. Basal cell carcinoma is typically a very slow growing cancer of the skin that almost never metastasizes (spreads through the blood stream to other body organs), except in very rare instances where the skin cancer itself is very large and has been left unattended...

Thanks for the question. The benefit of Mohs is that it is tissue sparing and has slightly higher clearance rates (99% versus 95% for BCC). The fact that you have to wait 8 months even for a slow growing tumour is too long. It would be better to find an alternative Mohs surgeon. It is also...

Thank you for your question. Typically this will fill in over time. I recommend making an appointment with your surgeon to have the wound evaluated, and to be sure there is no concomitant infection, which could potentially impair or slow healing. I hope this helps.