Do You Wear a Patch over Your Eye After Mohs of the Lower Eyelid?

Question

I have to have Mohs surgery of my lower eye lid for BCC. I want to know when I might be able to return to work as an Ultrasound tech after this surgery?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Typically eyelid defects created following Mohs cancer surgery are closed immediately or the next day.  Very small defect can be allowed to heal on their own.  However, when the defect involves the eyelid margin, or the tear sac area, or larger portions of the eyelid, the Mohs surgeon will generally arrange for the closure (reconstruction) to be performed by an oculoplastic surgeon.  It is ideal if you can meet the oculoplastic surgeon before hand and know what the plan will be.  If you open your mouth and ask for this, it is more likely that you will get this type of reconstruction.  Sometimes the Mohs surgeon feels a lesion near the eyelid can be handled just by the Mohs surgeon and that is fine.  However, sometimes the lesion proves to larger than anticipated and this can lead to the 6 PM urgent oculoplastic consultation.  Regarding patching, small defects can be closed without patching the eye.  When the defect involves the eyelid margin and you need to be reconstructed either later that same day or the next day, yes it is common to patch the eye.  Because of the large variation in what may be needed, it is impossible to predict what you will need.  If you are nervous about how the reconstruction will be handled, insist on meeting the oculoplastic surgeon ahead of the Mohs cancer surgery.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

I agree with others who responded.  So much will depend on the size of the cancer and the resulting defect (after the cancer is removed).  For large cancers that require a skin graft, a pressure bolster is sometimes used to promote the "take" of the graft.  While this may be inconvenient regarding your work schedule, the long term cosmetic result will be better than if vascular supply to the graft is compromised.  For smaller cancers, this is not really a problem.  This question really is best left to the doctor who will be doing your repair.  Good luck!

Sam Goldberger, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon who will perform the operation.  I personally do not patch my patients.  However, a lot will depend on how big the cancer is and how much reconstruction is needed.  Besides the patch, there other factors that your surgeon should go over with you regarding work.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

This is entirely dependent on the extent of the resection which is not predictable and of course the reconstruction which may be simple and only require a primary closure or complex with loco regional flaps. This question can only be answered by your surgeons after the resection and reconstruction are completed.

Perry F. Garber, MD (retired) · Answer

A patch is usually placed on the eye to protect it until the defect can be repaired which is usually within about 24 hours.

Do You Wear a Patch over Your Eye After Mohs of the Lower Eyelid?

Answers (6)

Answer: Return to work after Moh's surgery

Answer: Return to work after Moh's surgery

Answer: Lid tumor

Answer: Lid tumor

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Do You Wear a Patch over Your Eye After Mohs of the Lower Eyelid?

Answers (6)

Answer: Return to work after Moh's surgery

Answer: Return to work after Moh's surgery

Answer: Lid tumor

Answer: Lid tumor

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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.