31Yrs Old, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Under Eye

Dr. Ladd and his staff were great! His assistant made me feel comfortable and warm while preparing for the surgery, during and after.
The site of removal was sanitized, injected with lidocaine and sanitized. Then, a lightweight medical type cloth/sheet, leaving only a hole for the removal site, was placed over my face for sanitary purposes.
Surprisingly, I didn't feel a thing! When it seemed like Dr. Ladd was just getting started (partially in the process), he was already done! I didn't even feel the pressure they noted I would feel.
It was gnarly looking!
Another procedure with less pain than wisdom teeth removal. A paper cut hurts more than this!

One of my immediate fears was how painful the procedure, including the biopsy, would be in a sensitive area. The biopsy was quick and painless! Just a barely felt punch prior to numb the area. It was a breeze!

Doctor Tanya Khan is my go to for all things eye related. It's to no surprise that when I was intrested in ways to make my eyes look more youthful, she was my first and only choice.

Dr. Khan entered my radar over 18+ months ago when I needed an oculoplastic surgeon to help with an undereye filler nightmare by another injector.

Nevertheless during the appointment, I pointed out a bump under my left eye that I hoped the youth inducing laser could remove as well.

She asked some specfic questions regarding the bump or what I thought to be a stubborn pimple. I noted it had only become present about 2.5 months earlier.

Without hesitation, doctor Khan took a closer look at the "pimple". She noted the area of which my "pimple" was located, is not an area we'd typically find one "It's firm" she noted.

Unable to confirm what it was with assurance, Dr. Khan called in the second opinion of dermatologist, Dr. Ladd. Using a medical instrument and his professional opinion, Dr. Ladd too was unable to discard the bump as nothing with 100% confidence.

Considering my age, the appearance of the bump and quick onset, there wasn't much suspicion. On the same note, it could it be written off either.

Thus, both doctors agreed it would be best to perform a biopsy. Dr. Khan has never been one to oversell me. I felt confident in their decision. I'm glad I was.

I left the office feeling positive with the words of Dr. Ladd, Dr. Khan and Dr. Khan's awesome assistant, Alyssa.

Roughly a week or so later, Dr. Khan personally called me to share the results of the biopsy. The bump was not a pimple. It was in fact something that needed to be removed. Naturally, I no longer felt positive. It was great while it lasted though!

I instantly felt fear. I cried. I was confused. I must've asked a million questions that I repeated over and over and she answered every single one. She never became annoyed or frustrated with me; never indicated she needed to get off the call, but insisted I ask the questions all over again if that's what I needed to do. So refreshing.

It was calming. She put me at ease.

We found it early and I knew I was in good hands. I'm uninsured. The decision to pay the biopsy out of pocket didn't come without stress. In that moment, I was thankful for trusting the doctors and putting my health first.

I was especially thankful for Dr. Khan's record of not overselling me. I may have second guessed the need for the biopsy otherwise.

Both radiation and Moh's surgery were considered. Due to my age, it was decided that Moh's surgery would be the best option for me. There was concern that radiation could result in its return years down the road.

Moh's it was. I was terrified. I was scared about the procedure, the depth of the growth, the recovery, the scar, how I'd look and the list continues. The silver lining was the level of comfort, confidence and care Dr. Khan provided me from the moment I met her up until that very moment, and still -- today.

I was in good hands. It was going to be okay.

I was going to be okay.