Guidelines for Post-Excision Care of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
I am seeking perspectives on some images that I've shared. These were taken 32 hours after the excision of a small squamous cell carcinoma located near my right eyebrow. At 45 years old, weighing 108 kg and standing at 177 cm tall, I am a non-smoker residing in Sydney, Australia. The removal was performed by a dermatologist specializing in skin cancer. I had a thorough discussion with him regarding the aesthetic outcomes of the procedure, as I was particularly concerned about potential scarring on my forehead. I inquired whether consulting a plastic surgeon might yield a superior cosmetic result; however, the doctor assured me that with his 25 years of experience, the results would likely be comparable. After reviewing various post-excision images online, I find myself anxious, questioning whether the procedure was conducted with aesthetic considerations adequately prioritized. While I recognize that complete cancer removal should always take precedence, I would appreciate feedback based on the photos available. Regarding the stitching: - The sutures are simple interrupted types. - There are some inconsistencies in spacing between them. - A few stitches seem to be under moderate tension. - Certain entry and exit points appear slightly compressed. On the forehead, I anticipated a higher standard of: - Evenly spaced sutures - Precise everted edges - Minimal tension in stitches - Clean alignment of skin edges Examining the edge alignment: - The edges appear subtly inverted instead of everted. - There is a slight misalignment in parts of the curved area. - The upper section appears to be puckered. I welcome any insights or advice regarding this situation.
Answers (1)
3/3/2026, 10:30:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling anxious about the post-excision appearance and overall care following the removal of your squamous cell carcinoma. It’s understandable to seek reassurance and insights about how the surgical site is healing, especially since aesthetic outcomes are important to you.
Main Points:
- Healing and initial appearance can vary widely post-surgery.
- Concerns about stitch alignment and tension are valid but can often resolve.
- Practical steps for care and monitoring can help ease your concerns.
Explanation: After the excision of skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, the healing process can lead to a variety of outcomes. It's important to remember that early healing can show tension, slight misalignment, or puckering, which may improve over time as swelling decreases and the tissues settle. The use of interrupted sutures is a common practice, and while they may not always look perfect during the initial stages, they generally allow for proper healing and closure of the wound.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Healing: Keep a close eye on the area for any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge). Document any changes in appearance and pain levels.
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Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the site with mild soap and water, and apply any topical antibiotic ointment as recommended by your dermatologist.
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Avoid Straining the Tissue: Try to minimize movement of the forehead, avoid heavy lifting, or activities that could pull on the sutures, as this may increase tension.
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Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dermatologist. Even if it's early in the healing process, expressing your concerns about the aesthetic outcome can be valuable. They may reassure you, modify your care plan, or refer you to a plastic surgeon if necessary.
It's essential to focus on your recovery while giving the healing process some time. Healing typically takes weeks, and many surprising improvements can occur in that time frame. Please remember that your concerns are valid, and it’s perfectly acceptable to seek reassurance regarding your healing and aesthetic outcomes.
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