How can eye webbing and stretched skin be corrected? How soon after a MOHS 5 weeks ago can it be corrected? (photo)

Typically we wait 4-6 months for a scar to soften. Massage and silicone gel will help. Often I will laser the scar to facilitate softening. If surgery is required, I perform a v-y advancement to release the scar and web. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your question and photo. Five weeks is too early to consider scar revision following your procedure. Silicone sheeting and massage is the best option for now. Scar revision, possibly a Z-plasty could be considered after three to six months after your Mohs surgery. All the best.

Dear uubhgyt,Thank you for your question. It is too early to evaluate your scar, you need a minimum 3-6 months. Scar massage can sometimes help. If it does not resolve a scar revision can be performed. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Fellowship-trained Craniofacial Surgeon

Hello and thanks for your question. Based on your submitted photo there is still a bit of redness and swelling. It is hard to make an assessment of the final scar at this point since scars take many months to fully mature. However, often in my practice, I will proceed with dermabrasion and CO2 resurfacing laser as early as 6 weeks post-mohs. 

i would give this a good 6 months before any revision surgery.  scar therapy in the meantime may be of benefit

its actually not a complicated revision. not sure how big the defect was after the surgery was complete but I totally understand the complications you're having. Id say to please follow up with the doctor who did the reconstruction and follow their recommendations. if conservative approaches fail to correct the issues you're having then it will be a simple revision surgery to release the webbing and the skin contracture 

Thank you for the photo and your question. It is not uncommon for the skin to be tight after a Mohs repair. In the area of the medial canthus, this can result in a tight feeling and a webbed scar. At 5 weeks post-op, it is still very early. Massage can be very helpful, as can tiny injections of steroid or 5FU. If these things don't work, then in a few months a revision procedure can be performed. In most cases for this area that would included opening up the scar and placement of a small skin graft. Take care and best of luck!

Conservative scar management such as:silicone gels if there is evidence of a hypertrophic or early keloid scar, topical antibiotic ointment if there remains any break in the skin at this point, judicious use of ice and bed elevation, and possible steroid injections if you in fact have developed a full blown keloid scar(and sometimes pressure garments in bad cases)and finally keep it out of bright sun for the first 3 months to avoid scar dyschromias (read altered pigment colour).Although this may stir up a boatload of controversy, as I have managed scars extensively for the last 34 years ( both in Canada and as a volunteer surgeon in five 3rd world countries)-almost all other potions, chemical applications and vague topical procedures.....,are really tantamount to the equivalency of witchcraft- with no discernible wound improvement- but with the side bonus of draining your bank account. As I am a firm believer in science- show me a method of scar management that will live up to science scrutiny and statistics-I’m all over it and will embrace accordingly......until then.....probably best to avoid !!!

Hello and thank you for your question! Congrats on your recent MOHS surgery and getting cured of your skin cancer! Unfortunately the photo is a little blurry so it is difficult to see exactly what is going on. However, from what I can tell, the scar appears pink and maybe slightly raised which tells me the scar is still immature. It has only been 5 weeks and the key at this point is patience. I would tell my patient to perform scar massage and silicone as your are already doing! I would wait at LEAST 3-6 months before trying ANYTHING else surgical. I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your recovery!
Ankur Mehta MD
Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
Instagram: @ankurmehtamd

Dear uubhgyt,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek repeat serial evaluation with your surgeon who can perform thorough examinations and discuss with you management options to help address your concerns. It typically takes at least 6 months and up to a year or so for any scar to mature and be in its final state. You are still relatively early in the healing process and massaging with silicone sheeting will help.