BCC Eyelid Surgery

Hi all,

Just wanted to share my BCC eyelid surgery experience. 

I have had a lump on my eyelid for approx 8 years. I went to the docs 3 years ago as it had gradually increased in size and was told it was cosmetic and that if I wanted it removed, I would need to go private. Couldn't afford to do that so left it as it was. 

I would always mention the lump at my opticians each year and after it increasing more and becoming itchy and occasionally weeping, the opticians asked me to go back to the GP to get. Dermatology referral. 

Luckily the Dr agreed and I was referred. I had the dermatology appointment six months after referral and the doctor immediately said it was a BCC and that I needed to have it removed urgently. 

6 weeks later, I went in to hospital for lump excision. I was in the procedure room for about 20 mins. Under local anesthetic. Absolutely fine. Fantastic team. I had some traction stitches put in place to try and stretch the skin in readiness for a simpler reconstruction the following week. Eye was patched for that evening and I was allowed to remove that the day after. Steristrips were in place over my stitches until they fell off 3 days later! Pain afterwards was fine. Took paracetamol for the first day. No getting eye area wet so children helped me wash my hair! 

I went back in the following week for reconstruction and am pleased to say that the Dr was so impressed with how much wound was healing that he just left the stitches as they were and said no reconstruction was needed. 

I have ointment I used 3 times daily to massage the skin under my eye upwards in the hope it stretches the skin enough to not have problems with any dropping in the long term. 

Whilst I was incredibly nervous about what this entailed and what any surgery may involve (after Googling of course!!), it has been a really great experience and I'm so pleased to know that there are no cancerous cells left!