Thanks so much for all the information and especially the photos. I've just had a skin graft of a similar size on my temple and all going well it is so encouraging to see it will heal up ok a year or so down the track ... it seemed like such a life changing disaster a few days ago but I'm starting to realise I'll get through it fine (especially if my biopsy results come back all clear!).
I have now been for another post-op visit, and as I suspected my doctor agrees that I have a severe case of medial-canthal webbing. This is because the graft had to grow into a "crater" between my eye and nose and with the skin in this area being more elastic, when the graft contracted it took my upper and lower lid (excess) skin with it. My surgery is scheduled for a z-plasty repair because webbing does not get better. There is a plethora of information on the web regarding zplasty including many pictures. Here's the link if anyone is interested: www.mohssurgery.org (Periocular and Eyelid Reconstruction). This site has pictures of scars on the cheek, forehead, eyelid and nose. Quite interesting for everyone even if you are not having a zplasty. Thanks for the update, Quiet One and for the sunscreen tips--I am paranoid about the sun too.
Thank you for sharing that info. I will look at that website today. I'm unfamiliar with the scar webbing issue, and sorry you have to have more work done. I'm glad there's a way to correct it though. By the way, the TruKid sunblock I now use is a bit greasy but smells pretty good. It looks somewhat white on the skin due to the zinc. For now I feel better using it than those loaded up with chemicals. Best to you with your z-plasty repair.
This link may work better, thanks JB. http://www.mohssurgery.org/files/conf/papers/2009%20ACS%20Physician%20Session/LOEWINGER-EYELID%20and%20PERIOCULAR%20REPAIRS.pdf
Hi - thanks for posting your blog. I have just had my second BCC removed (from near my tear duct of my right eye) and a skin graft, about the same size as yours (about one inch diameter). Had the yellow foam removed yesterday and was in a state of shock when I saw the brown/purple crater in the middle of my face!! Am just about to go away for a month with friends and then I am moving to the city, so am anxious that this is how people will first see me when they meet me. Luckily I have a supportive family and friend network, but really wish I could now fast forward 12 months so that I don't have to look at this everytime I pass a window or mirror... Looking forward to washing my hair though (although a little scared allowing water to come into contact with the wound).
Hi Anonymous of July 2 - It was a shock for me too, seeing the crater the day the foam was removed. I'd feel anxious about moving to a new place and meeting new people with the fresh scar; I understand what you're saying. Faces are important - the distraction of a skin graft on the face adds another element to a first meeting for the first few seconds. This would be a good time to wear glasses or sunglasses.
I was so nervous about the first shower - I was actually trembling, and then realized it was not a big deal, the water didn't sting or anything. It felt good actually.
Hope all goes well with your move. You'll be very busy, but try to remember to gently massage your scar several times a day after it has healed enough to apply pressure. The doctor or nurse should be able to demonstrate how to do it properly and let you know when it's okay to start.
Thanks so much for all the information and especially the photos. I've just had a skin graft of a similar size on my temple and all going well it is so encouraging to see it will heal up ok a year or so down the track ... it seemed like such a life changing disaster a few days ago but I'm starting to realise I'll get through it fine (especially if my biopsy results come back all clear!).
ReplyDeleteI have now been for another post-op visit, and as I suspected my doctor agrees that I have a severe case of medial-canthal webbing. This is because the graft had to grow into a "crater" between my eye and nose and with the skin in this area being more elastic, when the graft contracted it took my upper and lower lid (excess) skin with it. My surgery is scheduled for a z-plasty repair because webbing does not get better. There is a plethora of information on the web regarding zplasty including many pictures. Here's the link if anyone is interested: www.mohssurgery.org (Periocular and Eyelid Reconstruction). This site has pictures of scars on the cheek, forehead, eyelid and nose. Quite interesting for everyone even if you are not having a zplasty. Thanks for the update, Quiet One and for the sunscreen tips--I am paranoid about the sun too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that info. I will look at that website today. I'm unfamiliar with the scar webbing issue, and sorry you have to have more work done. I'm glad there's a way to correct it though. By the way, the TruKid sunblock I now use is a bit greasy but smells pretty good. It looks somewhat white on the skin due to the zinc. For now I feel better using it than those loaded up with chemicals. Best to you with your z-plasty repair.
ReplyDeleteThis link may work better, thanks JB.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mohssurgery.org/files/conf/papers/2009%20ACS%20Physician%20Session/LOEWINGER-EYELID%20and%20PERIOCULAR%20REPAIRS.pdf
Thank you, thank you and thank you again for making this blog :)
ReplyDeleteHi - thanks for posting your blog. I have just had my second BCC removed (from near my tear duct of my right eye) and a skin graft, about the same size as yours (about one inch diameter). Had the yellow foam removed yesterday and was in a state of shock when I saw the brown/purple crater in the middle of my face!! Am just about to go away for a month with friends and then I am moving to the city, so am anxious that this is how people will first see me when they meet me. Luckily I have a supportive family and friend network, but really wish I could now fast forward 12 months so that I don't have to look at this everytime I pass a window or mirror... Looking forward to washing my hair though (although a little scared allowing water to come into contact with the wound).
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous of July 2 -
ReplyDeleteIt was a shock for me too, seeing the crater the day the foam was removed. I'd feel anxious about moving to a new place and meeting new people with the fresh scar; I understand what you're saying. Faces are important - the distraction of a skin graft on the face adds another element to a first meeting for the first few seconds. This would be a good time to wear glasses or sunglasses.
I was so nervous about the first shower - I was actually trembling, and then realized it was not a big deal, the water didn't sting or anything. It felt good actually.
Hope all goes well with your move. You'll be very busy, but try to remember to gently massage your scar several times a day after it has healed enough to apply pressure. The doctor or nurse should be able to demonstrate how to do it properly and let you know when it's okay to start.