Should I let the wound from MOHs surgery heal on its own or have it closed up? (Photo)

Question

I had a BCC removed on 5/11/15. After one removal the surgeon said that it was all removed with clean margins. He asked if I wanted it sutured or wait to see if it would heal itself, we took the wait and see approach with putting Vaseline on it twice daily and cover it with nonstick bandage . I went with what the Dr said because I felt like I could otherwise have a vertical scar down my forehead.. Will this heal ?

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Your forehead defect is small and would likely do well with allowing it to heal by itself (also known as healing by secondary intention).  This would result in an initially pink and then light scar that is the same shape as the defect and a bit smaller in size.  Other repair options include primary closure, and a good option here includes a horizontal-type closure along your natural hairline.  The horizontal line itself would be longer than your current defect, but would likely be well camouflaged by your natural hairline border and forehead expression lines.  Discuss your repair options with your surgeon for further recommendations, and best of luck in your recovery.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello, glad your skin cancer was removed successfully with Mohs surgery. There are a few options in terms of "repairing" the wound following Mohs. Letting it heal on its own is an option and will leave a round slightly lighter scar in the rough shape of your hole. We can also pull the skin closed with some stitches to give you a straight line scar or broken line scar (this depends on how much loose skin you have and where the tissue laxity allows the hole to be closed easiest). There are benefits to both options of healing on its own vs stitching. For healing on its own, there are no activity restrictions but generally the healing takes longer (6-12 weeks) and the area does not heal as well cosmetically. With stitching, the area heals quicker and generally leaves a better cosmetic outcome. It is not too late to have the area closed up with stitches so you have not lost that option. So it really depends on what my patients prefer but I find that in Stamford and lower Fairfield county area, most of the patients prefer having their wounds stitched closed. Good luck.

Should I let the wound from MOHs surgery heal on its own or have it closed up? (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.

Should I let the wound from MOHs surgery heal on its own or have it closed up? (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.