Care suggestions after facial Mohs for basal cell: time, limitations,

Is this indicated for a lesion directly under the eye and above cheekbone? Or would that be too close to the eye itself?

Mine wasn’t directly below eye about 2 down I can’t say for sure bet I would think so Surgeobs decision
I doubt they would use glue thst close to the eye as thst was mentioned by the nurse for me though they did use glu over dissolves stiches

My dermatologist for MOHS surgeries has me keep the original bandage on for 24 hrs, I sometimes take it for an additional 24 then remove the bandage and apply a small amount of vaseline jelly. I'll re-bandage the incision site for bed then remove, clean and apply vaseline in the morning. The night time routine I'll repeat until the scab has solidified. I could take a shower after about 4 days and in a weeks I'm usually back in the doc's office having the sutures removed with instructions to just apply vaseline for a few days. As for the makeup thing, can't help you, never found that isle at the hardware store. 🙂

@sarajane0304 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It sounds like you are asking about MOHS surgery just under your eye. Is that correct?

In my experience, I have had MOHS surgery just to the side of my eye, and into the eyebrow. The surgeon was very experienced, and yes, there was a bit of a tightness because of the area removed. Your doctor will be the best person to ask about all of this. My sister had MOHS surgery near her eye and had a skin graft. So, each person's experience can be different, just like our cases of where/how involved the skin cancer is.

When do you see your doctor next?
Ginger

Thank you for responding, Ginger.

I am to have MOHS surgery BCC lesion directly under my eye and above the cheekbone. This is scheduled for Nov. 4. The dermatologist has scheduled me for oculor surgery in another location on Nov. 6. A PA-C did my biopsy. The dermatologist (MD) has not seen me nor has he spoken directly with me. Some questions have been answered by an assistant.

The ocular surgeon's nurse has spoken with me at length and that clinic has sent a packet of information and forms. However, most of my information has been through online research re: secondary and primary healing procedures. I am 89 and in good health, with histories of cataract and lumbar surgeries within the last five years. Naturally, I am anxious. I would like to have the least invasive procedures.

Sarajane

P.S. I really hope to use the secondary healing procedure!!!

Sarajane

@sarajane0304
Hopefully the dermatologist who is to do the Mohs is quite experienced?
Is the ocular surgery same eye or related to the mohs?
I assume any dressing, bandage would not be in the way.
Is the ocular cosmetic related to the Mohs?
I never saw the surgeon beforehand but she had the noted and pictures from my regular practice derm and she has outstanding reputation.
Hope it goes well. Mine was not uncomfortable snd has healed to a good extent in a week.

Yes, Donna, the surgeon performing Mohs (under the lash line of my left eye and above the cheekbone) is experienced. However, he apparently is not comfortable with closing a wound too close to the eye. He has scheduled an ocular surgeon in another clinic to finish closing the wound the second day after the Mohs procedure.

My hope is that a secondary healing procedure can be followed, rather than undergo ocular surgery on the second day following Mohs. As long as I am able to close my eye the cosmetic appearance is not an issue.

@sarajane0304: Thank you for sharing this. I had to read up on secondary healing procedures and found the benefits of this in areas like the ocular region as due to the area being concave, "tissue contraction pulls the surrounding skin together smoothly, often yielding excellent aesthetic and functional results without the need for complex surgery." You've certainly done your research and have medical providers who follow these techniques. Your surgical date is still 2 months away but can you let me know about the results afterwards? I'm anxious to hear how you are!

Susan, thank you for encouraging words. I realize there are factors to be considered. My hope is that the surgeon performing the Mohs is open to discussion. Due to my privilege of age and being in right mind (!), that is my hope! I will keep you posted.