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POSTED UNDER Mohs Surgery Reviews

38y/o Wife, Mom & Full-Time College Student w/BCC - Mohs Tyler, TX

UPDATED FROM Landalane
8 months post

6 and 8 month post-op

WORTH IT$2,500
I couldn't be any happier with the results from my MOHs procedure back on June 27, 2014 to remove a basal cell carcinoma on the left of my nose next to my eye.

Landalane's provider

Shanna Meads, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Dr. Shanna Meads located at the Dermatology Associates of Tyler removed my BCC and performed the reconstruction. This was the first time meeting her and of course I had many questions and concerns (mostly concerning the optional and best ways of stitching that would minimize any possible scar line) prior to starting the procedure. Yes, I tend to be OCD and like to be prepared as much as possible about most things in my life. She took the time and patience to listen and answer all of them without me ever feeling rushed or that I was being annoying by the many questions. Dr. Meads is so gentle, soft spoken, and could tell that she truly cares about her patients concerns and the best possible outcome. Prior to the surgery I did a lot of research online and watched several videos of the reconstruction that showed it only took a few minutes to stitch up. Dr. Meads took her time (had me smile, crinkle my nose, and open my eyes wide) to see which way my skin moved and how it wanted to move when the skin was pulled together. She definitely took her time and constantly checked while stitching. I also feel the need to mention her assistant Alysia because she was so sweet, not only with assisting Dr. Meads, but was also a great person to talk to while waiting for the tissue to be examined. She could have just done only what she needed to do without saying a word and walk out, however we talked about several things that we had in common; such as nursing school, her own experience with a spot that she would only allow Dr. Meads to perform back when she started working there 6 years ago. It definitely calmed my nerves and helped pass the time while waiting on the tissue results. Even though it was nearly a 3 hour drive each way (poured rain entire time both ways), it was definitely worth the drive. I honestly don't know if I could have found a better doctor or place to have had this procedure performed. I do know that if I ever need to have anything else done in the future, she would be the only one that I would ever use. Beautiful building and every staff member I encountered was very nice, upbeat, and smiling. I would highly, without a doubt, recommend Dr. Meads to anyone!!! Update: Dr. Meads called this evening (1 day post-op) to see how I was doing and feeling. Rarely do you get a phone call from the actual doctor to check-up on you. I was pleasently surprised :) Update again: I was able to email day 5 post-op pictures to Dr. Meads to make sure all was going well. She emailed back same day, saying it showed no signs of infection and that as long as in the next 48 hours no issues, that it would be okay to have stitches removed on day 7. She is awesome!!!!

Replies (4)

Oh my gosh you can't even tell!  Thanks for coming  back and updating your review- you look beautiful.  

Thanks for this review it's scary when you need to get MOHs and it's nice to see a good outcome. You look great!
Njbf

Great results, no sign of anything! Thanks so much for sharing your story here on RealSelf.

UPDATED FROM Landalane
9 days post

7 day post-op and stitches removed :)

Finally got stitches removed. Seven days of faithfully cleaning 2x a day with peroxide, applying Vaseline, and covering with a bandaid has paid off. She said I no longer have to wear a bandaid or do anything to it unless, I would be doing yard work. However, I am still cleaning, applying Vaseline 2x a day, and only wearing bandaid at night to avoid any irritation. Due to the flash on the camera, it looks redder than in person. Still have some swelling that should subside within the next week and slight tenderness. Extremely happy with the out come so far, told it could take up to 3 months for full recovery. Included 9 day post-op to see less irritation and redness from having the stitches removed 2 days prior.

Replies (1)

Incredible reconstruction! Glad you're cancer free!
UPDATED FROM Landalane
1 day post

1 day post-op

Still have some swelling (can tell by the white blotched areas on skin) and so far no bruising. Woohoo!!! Was surprised when Dr. Meads called to see how I was doing and if I had any concerns or questions, to give them a call. While she was on the phone I took the bandage off and everything looked great. She was also glad that I had no bruising. It took several differnet sizes of bandaids and some custom trimming to get one to fit right. Not much pain, just tightness from the swelling but not bad. I do seem to be more tired than usual today, however it has also been gloomy outside all day.

Replies (4)

Oh wow, so you never would have known about it had you not mentioned it to the dermatologist?  I'm actually going to the derm tomorrow for a similar issue, I have some actinic keratosis (pre-cancer) that needs to be removed, one in the same location as your BCC, and I have some other white bumps I was curious about.  I'm so use to the mole check stuff I never even realized we should be looking for other things!

You look great, I think you are healing very well.  
Thank you, Jill81! I had never been to a dermatologist before till Monday (June 23rd). My mother asked me to go with her for support fearing the worst on a few spots. She had already had some pre-cancerous spots removed, thankfully everything checked out fine...no cancer or pre-cancer spots. So while I was there I mentioned my spot and the Dr told me that I need to schedule an appt. to see her (wasn't my appt., so I understood that she couldn't look at it), asked if they took my insurance and had an appointment scheduled on Friday that same week! Can't help but thank God for getting me there one way or another because had I not gone with my mom that day, I would have never known that I had cancer and that it was slowly growing. By the time I would probably realize could be when it had spread into my eye or worse. I also had some little white bumps pop up under my eyes, but Dr. Meads told me it was from me probably using Vaseline under my eyes (thought it would help soften area prior to surgery). So, my motto now is "if in doubt, check it out". Definitely have it checked ASAP!!! I hope everything checks out okay and if you ever need someone that can relate, I'm here :)
I'm so glad you decided to speak up at your mom's appointment.  My appointment went pretty good, I had four actinic keratosis (pre-cancer) removed from my face, 1 biopsy on my arm, and an appointment in a few weeks for a full body screen.  I agree about the when in doubt check it out!  I hope you keep posting updates with pics, I'd love to see how your nose looks as time goes on :)