Will this flatten out enough to hide with make up? Six weeks out and have been in public but it was humiliating. (photo)

Question

About 6 weeks in the picture and can't even cover it with make up. I can't feel my upper lip.I never want to go back to work until it looks and feels better .

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

Scarring is always a potential complication after Mohs and 
reconstructive surgery, and based on the photo it looks like an extensive amount of work was done. When a skin flap is used for a surgical repair, 
additional swelling and "pin-cushioning" can add to the stiffness of the
 skin, making it appear lumpy. At six weeks out there is still a lot of healing to do. Steroid 
injections and massage can significantly reduce scar tissue and make the
 skin much softer and more pliable, which can help flatten out the scar too. Often a series
 of injections can be required to get the best effect. It can take the skin up 
to 6 months to heal completely, especially over the lip and into the nose creases where swelling 
can persist long after surgery. I would recommend you follow-up with your surgeon to determine what steps might be best for you. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes it will flatten somewhat over time but the flap you had done to cover the defect is inherently bad ( superior based Banner Flap ) and causes frequent pin-cushioning as you have. A better choice would have been a Rhomboid flap or a superiorily based bilobe flap....these have less tendency to pin-cushion and would also be a better design with less scarring. Also make sure you use very dilute kenalog if you go the steroid route as it can cause excessive thinning of the skin if the concentration is too high.

Will this flatten out enough to hide with make up? Six weeks out and have been in public but it was humiliating. (photo)

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Will this flatten out enough to hide with make up? Six weeks out and have been in public but it was humiliating. (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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