3.5 weeks post MOHS surgery for 2 layers. Does this look like it is healing correctly? (photo)

Question

A full skin graft was used from the front of my ear. I can’t get an appointment with my dermatologist until the middle of May. I am concerned the skin graft failed. Also I feel I have fluid in my ear that the skin graft was taken from.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

It does appear that your graft has failed. If your Mohs surgeon did not provide for a follow-up visit to check the status of the graft and remove sutures, you went to the wrong person, as this is standard procedure. Skin grafts are the single most expensive repair you can have. Letting this heal by itself, with proper wound care instructions could have resulted in a normal-appearing result, and cost nothing. But your Mohs surgeon must belong to what I call the wallet club. One Mohs surgeon belonging to this club told me "We repair everything. Ya know why? Cause ya don't get paid to let it heal". I suggest you find a Mohs surgeon who is more interested in his /her patients well being than they are in money.      jlr

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

No, your skin graft appears to have failed and it is NOT healing correctly. Any surgeon who won't see you immediately after when you have a problem or a dermatologist who doesn't see you after, is in my opinion, the wrong physicians to be treating 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."

3.5 weeks post MOHS surgery for 2 layers. Does this look like it is healing correctly? (photo)

Answers (2)

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.

3.5 weeks post MOHS surgery for 2 layers. Does this look like it is healing correctly? (photo)

Answers (2)

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.