Going on a Holiday After Mohs Surgery?

Question

I have a suspected BCC on my eyelid which was wrongly diagnosed as a recurrent infection. It bleeds occasionally. I am seeing a specialist in three days for a biopsy. If it is BCC will have Mohs Surgery and reconstruction. I estimate I might have had this for up to two years. I'm booked to go on holiday for three weeks shortly after the biopsy. Should I go or stay for the biopsy? I understand that can take two weeks anyway. Thanks!

William Ting, MD · Answer

Traveling a couple days after suture removal of a punch biopsy should be fine as long as there is no complication such as secondary infection, hematoma or wound dehiscence. As for Mohs micrographic surgery, you may want to wait a week after suture removal as steri-strip application sometimes may be required post-op.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

The exact site and size matter.  Assuming small biopsy size, you can go on your trip. But note the following: There will be a scab that forms and falls off in about a week.  Applying ointment during the healing period may blur your vision if it gets in your eye.  Sun protection is advised.

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

You should go on your vacation. So long as you take good care of the wound after the biopsy and have medical care available if necessary, you shouldn't have to worry. Once you have the results of the biopsy you can schedule the Mohs surgery if necessary. After that surgery and reconstruction I would recommend remaining in the area since the procedure and reconstruction will likely be more involved and you would like to have the responsible surgeon nearby for any unforseen problems like bleeding or infection.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

If you are going on vacation and getting a biopsy beforehand it should be ok. The biopsy site should heal well on the eyelid and the results will take 1-2 weeks to get back. When you return if it is basal cell, you will have to coordinate the excision with a Mohs surgeon and oculoplastic surgeon which make take a couple weeks to get in both surgeons' schedules.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Typically skin biopsies heal very well on the face. They usually heal within a week. The size and the technique would be the variables. Biopsies performed on the cutaneous eyelid often result in disproportionate swelling and bruising as would be seen on other locations.

Going on a Holiday After Mohs Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Basal cell on the eyelid

Answer: Basal cell on the eyelid

Answer: Biopsy recovery time

Answer: Biopsy recovery time

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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Going on a Holiday After Mohs Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Basal cell on the eyelid

Answer: Basal cell on the eyelid

Answer: Biopsy recovery time

Answer: Biopsy recovery time

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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.