Revision Suggestions After Mohs Surgery Repair

Question

I had a BCC removed on my nasal ala with Mohs Surgery 6 months ago. A rhomboid flap was used to repair it. The flap has been raised from the beginning and my nose does not look symmetrical. The crease cannot be seen on the right side because of the elevated flap and there is also a bony protrusion just to the right of the tip that shows as a white bump. A shadow and pulled look shows along the bottom edge of the flap. No cartilage was added when repaired. Please offer suggestions. Thanks.

Callum Faris, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. There is a vertical skin deficiency on the right nostril following the flap repair and this has lead to alar retraction. In addition the alar crease has been blunted due to the flap repair. These two issues can be correct with a surgical revision. You should ask for an opinion from a Facial Plastic or Plastic Surgeon. I hope this helps.

J. Charles Finn, MD · Answer

Revision might be needed, but the flap may continue to improve with time. If you want to avoid further surgery, you may get some improvement with conservative steroid injections in the high areas or filler injections to the low areas. Seek  the advice of a surgeon with lots of reconstruction experience. Good luck!

Larisa Ravitskiy, MD · Answer

Nasal symmetry can be achieved by undergoing revision so that the missing groove can be sculpted to match the other side. It is a fairly straight forward procedure. It is difficult to appreciate the other changes on the photos provided so it is difficult to say what type of revision would be most appropriate. Importantly, scar remodeling takes place over the course of a year so the final result is likely to be more pleasing that what you are seeing right now. Meanwhile, raise your concerns with your surgeon so that you have a plan of action if you are not satisfied with the final outcome.

Chad L. Prather, MD · Answer

A rhomboid flap can be a great repair for the nose after Mohs surgery. Often it can be accomplished in one stage, but some flaps need additional steps to help get the best cosmetic result. Bulkiness, or "pincushioning", and blunting of the normal nasal groove is a common phenomenon experienced after rhomboid repair. Fortunately, with further revision, this can be improved and reduced. I would recommend seeing the physician who performed the repair first and ask if additional steps are necessary. If none are taken, a second opinion with a dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon would be in order.

Brent Spencer, MD · Answer

Many times surgical repairs will require revision to get an acceptable final appearance.  It is not uncommon for rhomboid flaps to pincushion.  Sometimes an injection of steroids can help flatten this out.  In regards to your crease being gone, some times this has to be reconstructed as well. Your Mohs surgeon should be willing to do these revisions; if not, go see a plastic or facial plastic surgeon for consultation.

Revision Suggestions After Mohs Surgery Repair

Answers (6)

Answer: Multiple steps sometimes necessary for nasal repair

Answer: Multiple steps sometimes necessary for nasal repair

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

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Revision Suggestions After Mohs Surgery Repair

Answers (6)

Answer: Multiple steps sometimes necessary for nasal repair

Answer: Multiple steps sometimes necessary for nasal repair

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

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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.