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Facing facial surgery and neck surgery: Concerned about disfigurement

Posted by lenoret @lenoret, Apr 5 9:30pm

I'm facing facial surgery, wide and deep, as well as neck surgery for lymph node removal. I'm concerned about facial disfigurement. Has anyone experienced this?

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 9 11:37am
In reply to @grammato3 "@lenoret: I had a wide local excision with reconstruction on my face in 2020. I’d consulted..." + (show)
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@lenoret: I had a wide local excision with reconstruction on my face in 2020. I’d consulted with a plastic surgeon but he deferred to an experienced ENT who completed the procedure with a sentinel node biopsy. Due to positive margins, the incision needed to be reopened and completed by a slow Mohs the following month. The resulting scar was initially quite large and noticeable but with subsequent two laser treatments and the ensuing years it’s barely noticeable. It sounds like you’re in very capable hands. Follow your provider’s post-op advice and give yourself time for recovery/healing.

Mark your calendar for summers end to get back to Ginger and me to let us know the results. And even sooner after the procedure to fill us in on how the procedure went. When is it scheduled?

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@grammato3 @lenoret Reflecting back, I have had several MOHS surgeries, on my face and arms. The most memorable one is near my collarbone, producing a lightning-looking scar. At this point in my life, the stitches and scars are reminders of my battles, my victories. Definitely conversation starters, at times! A roadmap of my life, as it were.
Ginger

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Apr 9 6:59pm
In reply to @gingerw "@grammato3 @lenoret Reflecting back, I have had several MOHS surgeries, on my face and arms. The..." + (show)
Profile picture for Ginger, Volunteer Mentor @gingerw

@grammato3 @lenoret Reflecting back, I have had several MOHS surgeries, on my face and arms. The most memorable one is near my collarbone, producing a lightning-looking scar. At this point in my life, the stitches and scars are reminders of my battles, my victories. Definitely conversation starters, at times! A roadmap of my life, as it were.
Ginger

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@gingerw: That's a good way to look at them! When I had my Mayo derm visit this past Monday, I referred to my age spots and the good doctor quickly corrected me by calling them WISDOM spots. Much preferred terminology!

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