Uneven Nostrils After Mohs Surgery: What You Need to Know

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery can be a frustrating experience for some people.

The good news is that post-surgery adjustments are possible and can help make the nostrils look more even.

This article explains what causes uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery and what you can do to reduce their appearance so you can feel more confident in your appearance. 

It's imperative to keep in mind that everybody heals differently. Results vary from person to person, but there are steps you can take to ensure optimal results for restoring balance and symmetry.

We'll discuss the reasons why this occurs, what treatments are available, and tips for self-care during recovery. Ultimately, this article will help those who have concerns of an uneven result post-Mohs Surgery learn how they can achieve a more natural looking shape of the nostril area again.

Mohs Surgery on Nose

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery are not uncommon. The process of Mohs surgery on the nose is a delicate one and can result in uneven nostrils after healing.

During this process, the tumor or cancer that is to be removed is cut away layer-by-layer until only healthy skin remains. While this technique is beneficial for accurate removal, it can also cause some misalignment of the tissue around the nose.

Scarring is common with any form of facial surgery and may contribute to feelings of unease when looking at your changed nose in the mirror.

Fortunately, there are options to help get your nostrils back into alignment if this happens after your Mohs procedure.

Consult with your doctor to ensure that the asymmetry will not affect more important functions like breathability or comfort. Your doctor can assess the situation and decide on a course of action – be it restructuring nasal surgeries or fillers. 

Basal Cell Before and After Mohs Surgery

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery is a common aesthetic problem for some people who have had Basal cell Carcinoma removed through Mohs surgery. The Mohs technique, while effective in removing cancerous cells and skin tumors, can sometimes leave behind an unnatural contour to the nose.

This unevenness can lead to self-consciousness if untreated, as many feel their noses look different or disproportionate after the procedure. 

One solution for post-Mohs nasofacial reconstruction is rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty not only corrects asymmetry or defects from Mohs surgery but can improve airway related symptoms such as snoring.

Though there are some limitations associated with nasal reconstruction following Mohs, rhinoplasty offers solutions that range from subtle and natural-appearing corrections to dramatic changes, depending upon your individual needs and goals for reshaping your nose.

If you are unhappy with the results of your Mohs procedure, we recommend discussing rhinoplasty as an alternative treatment option with your facial plastic surgeon.

With proper evaluation, education and a plan tailored to you our board certified surgeons can help restore balance and symmetry to both sides of the nose while correcting any other nasal defect that may be concerning you in order to reconstruct your nose’s pre-operative form prior to undergoing Mohs cancer removal surgery.

Healing After Mohs Surgery on Face

During the healing process, some patients might experience uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery as the tissues start to heal and regenerate in different ways.

This unevenness can be quite noticeable and make it difficult for patients to breathe properly.

Although it may be disconcerting at first, this unevenness should not last more than six weeks and will eventually subside as the body continues to heal.

It's important for those who have undergone Mohs surgery to take special care during their recovery period. Proper wound care is necessary to ensure an even healing process, including adequate rest and nutrition coupled with light physical activity such as walking or swimming. 

Keeping wounds clean and free from infection is also crucial during recovery in order to minimize any prolonged or abnormal healing times or conditions. Studies have found that the infection rate for wounds is 8% among the general population and 25% for those above 60 years old.

Occasionally a longer healing period may be prescribed should there be any lingering concerns; some physicians recommend an antibiotic ointment while others may use steroid injections prior to closing the wound – all these practices aid the recovery time under medical supervision.

Pain medication can help relieve discomfort associated with post-surgery wounds and infections if needed, but should never exceed prescribed amounts without consulting a healthcare professional first.

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery are a common occurrence that typically resolve on their own with proper rest and wound care; however, any drastic changes or pain lasting beyond six weeks following Mohs should always be examined by your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment plan elaboration if needed.

Mohs Surgery Recovery Time

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery are a common problem that can arise during the recovery process. Depending on the size of the wound, Mohs surgery patients can expect a recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks. During Mohs surgery, layers of skin are removed; if not properly done, during the healing process, the nostrils may not heal in the same shape or size.

This can make one nostril appear larger or more pointed than the other and lead to asymmetrical breathing. When it comes to recovery time for Mohs Surgery, it is wise to seek out cosmetic help if uneven nostrils develop.

A skilled surgeon can help even out damaged tissue through plastic surgery, reducing any airway obstruction due to uneven nostril shapes.

Seeking medical advice from your doctor or plastic surgeon before trying any of these methods is recommended - so please speak with them before taking any steps towards recovery.

How Long Does Mohs Surgery Take to Heal

Healing can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on how extensive the procedure was. After your surgeon performs the Mohs technique for removing skin cancer, stitches are put in place to close up the incision.

It is important to follow all of your doctor’s post-procedure instructions closely in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.

While it is natural for a patient to experience some discomfort after Mohs surgery, avoid scratching or using any topical creams other than those prescribed by your physician. Cleaning the area twice daily is also important for reducing inflammation and encouraging healing.

The recovery time also depends on many factors like age, overall health, genetics and lifestyle choices but most patients should expect full resolution within two months after their procedure. Listening carefully to directions from your physician and taking extra care of yourself during the period of healing can drastically reduce this timeline while minimizing scarring and uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery.

What to Expect After Mohs Surgery on Nose

After healing from the surgery, there might be some visible changes such as laxity, asymmetry, and/or uneven nostrils in the skin of your nose.

Although this is perfectly normal after Mohs Surgery on your nose, it may require extra attention and help from a specialist to get back your desired look.

To correct these issues due to uneven scarring after Mohs Surgery, a facial plastic surgeon can perform reconstructive surgery to restore balance in the shape of your nose.

They will also use tissue fillers to give facial symmetry and even out any difficult imperfections in the nasal tip caused by scarring or tissue damage caused by Mohs Surgery.

If you have experienced any of these little discomforts as an effect of Mohs Surgery on your nose and wish to return your profile to its pre-surgery form, do not hesitate to talk with a trusted doctor about creating a personalized post-Mohs treatment plan best suited for you. It should include follow up visits with a facial plastic surgeon for revision rhinoplasty if needed.

With proper treatment, you can expect natural looking results that make sure no one could tell you have ever gone through surgery.

How Long Does Pain Last After Mohs Surgery

The pain associated with the surgery can vary depending on the individual. Discomfort will most likely take place right after the procedure, but some individuals may experience lingering pain that persists for several days after the surgery.

If a patient experiences overwhelming soreness and pain, they may want to consult their doctor who can evaluate their condition and determine if other treatments (including medication) may be necessary to ease their discomfort.

In terms of recovery time from Mohs surgery, it really depends on how extensive the procedure was in relation to location and size of defect area.

While some individuals may recover in as little as one day, others may take up to 4 weeks before experiencing complete healing. The recovery period also largely depends on proper wound care that should be discussed with a doctor based on their individual circumstance and needs.

To reduce facial swelling or other side effects from mohs surgery, it’s important to follow all post-surgery instructions provided by your doctor including tips on ice packs or medications that can help manage any prolonged pain experienced during recovery time.

Alternatives to Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery has been the gold standard for skin cancer treatment for decades. Mohs surgery is performed on over 876,000 tumors per year in the United States, and that rate is rapidly rising. 

But there are a number of alternatives available, some of which may prove to be a preferred option in some cases.

Cryoablation is a relatively new technique in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy cancerous cells. Its primary benefit is its accuracy with very limited scarring, making it ideal for sensitive areas such as the face or nose.

Cancer cells can be destroyed and tumors minimized through the use of radiation therapy. Commonly used in combination with other treatments or after surgery, radiation therapy is a common option for tackling skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma - all with little to no scarring or cosmetic damage.

However, it is vitally important for those undergoing radiation treatment to protect the affected areas from further exposure to UV rays as this increases the risk of developing more skin cancer.

To ensure safe results, it is advised that individuals observing such treatments show caution when it comes to sun protection.

Non-surgical treatments such as topical chemotherapy and immunotherapy involve using medication either orally or on the skin to boost a patient's natural defenses in eliminating tumor cells.

In some cases even photodynamic therapy can be used, wherein photosensitizers react with light energy to stop or slow down cancer growth.

Mohs Surgery certainly has advantages over alternate treatments; however, depending on the medical history and size of a tumor, patients also can explore other options before choosing Mohs Surgery.

Conclusion

Uneven nostrils after Mohs surgery are a common cosmetic concern that can affect patients' quality of life and self-esteem. However, there are several options to correct this issue, ranging from non-invasive treatments such as fillers and lasers, to surgical procedures such as revision rhinoplasty and cartilage grafting. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the asymmetry, the patient's preferences, and the surgeon's expertise. Patients should consult with their dermatologist and plastic surgeon to discuss the benefits and risks of each option and find the best solution for their individual case.