Anyone have Mohs surgery on side of nose

Yes, I had basal cell carcinoma on the part of the nose where the nostrils flare out. This was about 6-7 years ago. After removing the cancer, the doctor used a skin graft from the crease in my cheek. Once it healed, you could notice it unless, you look for it. And the only person who will do that is you. Now, even I can’t notice it and, let’s face it, you have to have it removed. Mohs is the way to go. I just had it done on the outside corner of an eyelid. Same result. Good luck!!

I've had two nose surgeries with Mohs, and another right under my nose to and inside of my lip. All left scars, especially the one on the tip of my nose. That one was done over two years ago. It gets a scab which does not seen to heal and I am very worried about returning to the same MOHS surgeon. (No choice in my area.)
The others here with good results, are no doubt in the majority, I hope to find a surgeon some day with more skill in regards to not leaving noticeable scars.

I was considering either Mohs or radiation, but after reading about the radiation tx I am reconsidering I am sorry to hear you are having trouble. Are your scars very noticeable or did they fade with time?

@deecey: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect where you have already seen there are others here to offer their experiences. One of our other mentors, @gingerw, I believe has also had background with Mohs in this area as well, or at least on portions of the face - perhaps she can provide her experience as well.

Personally, I have had both Mohs as well as radiation for one skin cancer on my face but honestly that was some years back and I can't even remember where the exact location was so I'd have to say there was no scarring there! While I am aware of some faint scars from Mohs on my face, others have informed me that they are not noticeable.

Keep in mind that how any one individual heals from any type of surgical incision, Mohs included is based upon various things: the size/depth of the wound, the surgeon's surgical technique, adherence to post-op instructions and the body's inflammatory responses. Here is some information about the Mohs procedure itself that you may find helpful: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mohs-surgery/about/pac-20385222

Have you had this performed yet or are you waiting to schedule?

@waymcg10

Thank you for the positive response. I know it has to be done but I am very anxious about it. Hopefully, I will have a positive outcome.

As a plastic surgeon I have operated on many patients with nasal defects following Mohs. There are many options to approach these defects depending on the size and location of the defect. Each approach has its pros and cons. The simplest approach is letting the defect heal in on its own using frequent dressing changes. The next option the defect can be covered with a split thickness or full thickness skin graft, each with its pros and cons. Finally a skin flap from surrounding skin which can be transferred into the defect while still being connected to its blood supply.
It’s important to ask your Mohs or plastic surgeon what are the pros and cons of each approach.
Finally. Be “PATIENT’. No matter what approach is used, it may take 6-12 months for the scarring, redness and swelling to subside. There is always the option to come back later for minor revisions.

I had Moh’s surgery on the nostril where it connects with the cheek. A plastic surgeon performed the surgery. A few weeks after the surgery, he used a laser to remove the redness on the scar that had formed and said that if I wasn’t pleased with the end result, he would do more plastic surgery to correct the scar. But over the years, the scar has almost filled in and I can barely tell that anything was alone.
Look for a good plastic surgeon. I wish you all the best!

@ndmcl49

Thank you for responding. Hopefully I will make 5he right decision in choosing a Mohs surgeon.