Mohs and Reconstruction, melanoma in situ, Great Results!! - Thousand Oaks, CA

I was in denial about this changing freckle. It was a brown spot I'd had for 8 years since my last child was born. It was lasered, but came back with a vengeance. My vanity had caused me to ignore common sense, I didn't want it biopsied. I didn't want a scar on my face. Funny, when I finally came to my senses, it had doubled in size. I saw the dermatologist, he insisted to take a minimal shave biopsy. No big deal, barely left a pink spot. I didn't know that a melanoma could be flat. Shortly before the appointment, I started thinking about what my friends had said. The way it was changing shape, someone said, "it's not a cloud!" Somehow they got through, Thank God!! It was melanoma insitu, meaning it was present only at the site biopsied and had not spread. Still very scary.
I was referred to a mohs surgeon, 3 hours away. They were very nice and the Doctor even called me to answer my questions. However I had been doing some research and knew that the reoccurrence was high with this type. Also I had read that (MART-1) immunostains were needed to get the best margins. This doctor only used these stains in the final margins, meaning I wait with hole in my cheek, for another doctor to close in 2 days. This I thought was not my best option. Thankfully I found Doctor Andrew Kaufman here on real self. The before and after gallery for Lentigo melanoma, led me to a lady with the same diagnosis in similar location on her cheek. I contacted Dr. Kaufman with questions, and was easily put in contact with Tiffany at his office. They took my diagnosis with all seriousness and care. Tiffany was an absolute sweetheart, always making me feel comfortable with all my questions. She was never rushed or put out by my requests. The office made every attempt needed to make my appointments work with my travel arrangements. I came from western Kentucky to Thousand Oaks California; the trip absolutely worth it. I couldn't ask for better care, Dr. Kaufman has a passion for his patients getting the best cosmetic and clinical results possible. I am completely satisfied with the results of his care, and of his staff. They were professional and very kind, going the extra mile to make me comfortable. Laura and Terri gave me great care in the procedure, and reconstruction, making me feel comfortable, and just doing a great job! Dr. Kaufman listened, and he explained everything about the procedure with great detail. He did an amazing job!!!
For the MOHs, I went into a small procedure room with reclining table and music. I was prepped draped and numbed up with local. They worked quickly, and welcomed my nervous conversation. I guess my talking helped me not to focus on what I knew was going on, not easy being a nurse on the other side of the drapes. They bandaged me up, I was numb and comfortable to join a very kind and social group of patients in various bandages in the waiting area. It was a very warm comfortable environment in his office. My each took our turns, until we're bandaged for home. I only needed one level of mohs done, as for most everyone else. Mine required the most reconstruction, so I was last to finish. For the reconstruction, my nurse Laura, took me to the pre-op area, where, I donned proper O.R. attire, gown and hat for me. She took some vitals and answered some more medical questions, and Dr. K listened to my heart and lungs and talked a little more. Then to the O.R. a larger suite, where I was made comfortable with a pillow under my knees and some monitors. Prepped and draped again, I was back to my incessant chatter. Dr.K was very kind to engage me in conversation, amazing his attention to detail in his work while I babbled on. There were 38, tiny, uniform stitches holding the rotation flap, which closed a quarter size defect on my cheek. Laura put a pressure dressing on, but before that, they let my husband come back to the recovery area to see. Dr.K showed me with his finger on his face before he gave me a mirror to see. I had looked at his website and it was an excellent representation of his work, and what to expect post surgery. Which is a little rough at first, the local causes, a white discoloration and swelling of the skin, plus my face was tight and numb making my facial expressions look sad. However, I was happy on the inside, so relieved that I had it gone with great confidence in the clear margins. I got my instructions and prescriptions, and dressing kits and was on my way. I do agree with Tiffany, the milkshakes at the Habit, we're awesome!! But Vicoden was not my friend. So I had to try another on my follow-up day.
It was a relief to get the pressure dressing off the next day. The skin colored tape in the kit helped me to feel less self conscious. I followed the instructions vigilantly. So I'm a non-smoker, which helps with healing, as you have the best circulation to your skin, so that helped. I kept my head elevated with 2 pillows, used ice packs faithfully. But most importantlyI was faithfully covered in prayer from friends, family, my work gals, Sunday school gals, and church, and Real Self friends. Their support and encouragement have kept me so positive throughout this whole experience. God is so good!!! He took me from my stress and worry and set me on the path to get answers to getting this done right. He gave me the support and care of a loving husband, made my travel safe, and gave me miraculous healing.
Everyone was amazed even with size required of the incision how great it looked. He recommended using ice packs for 15mins of every hour for 24 hrs. However, I got sick with the pain medicine so I used the gel pea ice packs for about 4 days. This was actually a great thing because it really helped prevent swelling and bruising. Dr. K had dressing change kits and a video explaining how to on his website. Very helpful since I was traveling. His technique of cleaning with peroxide twice a day and applying polysporin ointment helped prevent scab formation, and scarring. I followed up with a quick look in the office, very pleased with the looks of things, I headed home. I had my stitches out at home in 6 days with a facial plastics doctor here in Ky. He also applied mastisol,( an adhesive) and steri-strips per Dr. K's request. I'm an O.R. Nurse and everyone, Doctors included have been impressed with my results. ( No pressure there Dr.K)
I didn't want to disrupt the suture line, so I trimmed the strips as they lost their stick. Finally 10 days later, I started rolling up the edges gently and they were all off. Of course, I called the office to make sure it was okay. I actually cried, it looked so good, I was so amazed that it was so well healed 16 days out. So I'm finally posting, my story may be a little out of order, but I hope it helps someone. Like the rest of you sharing helped me. Thanks a bunch!!!!

Hello, I'm 1 month out from my procedure. I'm applying Biocorneum, a silicone based compound for healing scars. I've learned that with just a dot of my base moisturizer, it transforms my scar to be much less noticeable. My doctor encouraged me that that it was healing well, but the pinkness is the last to leave. So, the other day I tried just a little base and it worked great!

One year later, can't believe it's been that long. Just want to thank Dr. Andrew Kaufman and his staff. It healedup so nicely. Most people can't even tell unless I mention it.