No stitches after surgery. Just left hole to heal on its own. Will it look OK? (photo)

Question

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Most often wounds in concave areas (inner corner of the eye, temple, groove along the nostril), if they're small, are left to heal on their own. If the wound is kept moist, they typically heal very nicely. It does look like your 12 day photo shows a dry wound which is not good. At this point, I'd recommend keeping the wound moist and clean until it has healed. In the worst case scenario, if you're unhappy with the result a small scar revision can be performed in the office to improve the appearance. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD · Answer

Typically in this area I would use sutures to repair the wound; however, there are circumstances where this may not be the treatment option (no access to Mohs trained dermatologic surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc).Regardless, as mentioned earlier I would be more attentive to the wound care, ensuring that it is moist for the best results.Once all healed, the resulting scar can be improved with laser surgery.

Kenneth W. Alanen, MD · Answer

Because the upper lip area is relatively convex, suturing (as compared with allowing the wound to heal on its own) is typically performed. Allowing the wound heal on its own is an acceptable approach in concave areas if the defect is shallow and does not have sharp edges. Having said that, small defects such as this can  heal very nicely without stitching. The wound noted in the later postoperative photograph is dry which can hinder the optimal cosmetic outcome. Ideally, it is kept moist until it is fully healed.If the cosmetic outcome is suboptimal, a minor scar revision with the major arm of the scar oriented in the vertical direction, parallel to skin tension lines is recommended.* This patient has not been seen in a formal clinical capacity; the above advice is not a substitute for an in-office physician consultation *Kenneth W. Alanen MD,Dermatology FRCPC Fellow, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Mohs' Micrographic SurgeryDermatopathology ABD / ABP, Fellow ASDPPathology FRCPC

No stitches after surgery. Just left hole to heal on its own. Will it look OK? (photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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

No stitches after surgery. Just left hole to heal on its own. Will it look OK? (photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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