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POSTED UNDER Mohs Surgery REVIEWS

2 Basal Cell Lesions = 2 Mohs Procedures - Omaha, NE

ORIGINAL POST

The $80 was my co-pay. $40 for each procedure...

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SLT4273
WORTH IT$80
The $80 was my co-pay. $40 for each procedure.

I've had this done twice but will put it all in one review. The first time was in March of 2012 on my left shoulder. The second lesion was found on my left eyebrow on a scar when I went in for suture removal of the first lesion (talk about being freaked out!!!). Once your pathology report comes back indicating a positive diagnosis (both basal cell in my case), Mohs is performed & they don't stop until all the margins are clear.

My left shoulder was in an easy location - so I was numbed up with a few injections of numbing agent, then Dr S carefully made a 'football shaped' incision all the way around the lesion. It was also fairly deep. He then took the specimen to his lab & lucky for me, all the margins were clear on his first incision (sometimes the margins may go wider or deeper, hence the need for another incision, which enlarges the first incision somewhat). So I had 2 layers of stitches & was given strict post-op instructions to follow. It was quite painful afterwards but did not require narcotics. Icing it off and on and taking extra-strength Tylenol did the trick. I currently have a scar and always will have, but it's all healed and well-worth the procedure. I mean, what's the alternative???

My 2nd procedure was on the upper left corner of my left eyebrow, on an already-existing scar from years ago. Dr S and his staff have an excellent "eye" for detail because I would have never guessed it to be a suspicious lesion to begin with. :) For the Mohs procedure, I was numbed up and he made an incision very similar to the once described in my first procedure. Again I was lucky that all my margins came back clear! While I awaited these results, I watched TV in my own private suite, and his staff graciously brought me coffee and also answered my many questions. Then he stitched me up. He did an excellent job, considering the lesion was in such a visible area!! This was was a lot more painful postoperatively than my first lesion, but I attribute that to it's delicate location. Ice and Tylenol was very helpful. There was bruising around my eye but that of course is normal for a post-op course. If you look at me now, you can't even tell it was ever there and that such an invasive procedure was done - UNLESS I point it out. I am extremely happy with my results & grateful to continue to be a patient of his & am examined bi-annually for cancerous lesions. Since this whole ordeal I have learned that sunscreen is of utmost importance! :)

SLT4273's provider

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology

4.7 | 68 Reviews
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SLT4273

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Replies (2)

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November 11, 2014
It's great to hear everything went well with your procedures and that you were well taken care of throughout your surgery. Thank you for taking the time to share your story here on Realself. 
January 17, 2015
Thank you for sharing your experience with photos. I will be scheduling this surgery for my forehead soon. Reviews like yours put some of my uneasiness to rest. I'm sure there will be pain, but my biggest concern is cosmetic. Your result is very good! Like you said, you would have to point it out for anyone to even notice, which is what I'm hoping for as well. Thanks so much for sharing.