Removal of BCC and closure with purse string sutures instead of skin graft.

Hi BarleyPondsgirl50% 

I don't have any experience with purse string sutures but I noticed that no one had come forward yet. I've done a search in the group to see if any previous posts mentioned it and did find one. Like you, they were also trying to decide whether to have this or a skin graft but, unfortunately, they didn't come back to say what they'd chosen and, as they're no longer a member of the community, you can't contact them to ask.

I also searched the whole online community and did find some posts which mentioned purse string sutures but, as they were on the body rather than the scalp, I'm not sure if they'll be relevant to you. However, if you want to take a look, clicking here will take you to them.

Do come back and let us know what you decide to do.

x

It may be too late to help but I have had a purse string procedure for a BCC on my foot.   There was not enough skin on my foot to stitch a normal wound so this idea was suggested.    The middle of my wound has been left open to heal on its own.   The procedure was straightforward and at least there is only one wound to heal.   A skin graft means you have two wounds to heal and I was advised that it probably wouldn't work on my foot anyway. I am four weeks in and it is all coming together rather well and looking quite neat!  

Thank you so much for your reply. I am seeing the surgeon in a few days so reply is very helpful. My decision has been delayed because there were a couple of things I wanted to obtain a second opinion on. Do you mind me asking how big your wound was and the size of the part left to heal on its own. I have been told about the puckers where the purse string is but that they would flatten out gradually. Have yours started to do so?  (Although I have written this myself it is actually my brother who has the bcc )  It is on his scalp and because he is bald he is quite concerned about what it may look like. As you mention, the purse string was suggested because there is not enough skin for a normal closure. I am so glad you are healing well and thank you once again.

It's about the size of a 50p piece and the open wound was slightly less and was very deep!   In four weeks the bottom of the wound has reached the top and now it needs to close in from the sides.  It is looking very flat already.   The wound has to have dressings on all the time.  At least the stitches drop out on their own! They tried hydrocolloid dressings but they irritated my skin.  Silicone dressings seem kinder.  The procedure itself was painless.   Good luck to your brother.  I have had many BCC's removed and scars always heal well.    He will be glad to be rid of the pesky thing!

He shouldn't think it will look like a belly button!!!!! The purse strings are only pulled together to actually hold the wound steady, hardly puckered at all.