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Wide excision scar not healing

Forums General Melanoma Community Wide excision scar not healing

  • Post
    anniemac
    Participant
      I had a wide excision done on my calf about 5 weeks ago. Most of the wound has healed very well.
      The top half and the concave part is almost together and seems to be healing. I have had some swelling in my leg so it seems that the scar healing is coming a little apart.
      I am using Vaseline and keeping it covered.
      Any advise. would be appreciated.
      Annie

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    • Replies
        KAP715
        Participant
          I remember the wide excision on my back taking quite some time to heal completely. My skin was stretched tight to suture and staple together. My incision seperated slightly since it was so tight and I had a little bit of clear fluid drainage that crusted over. I would put a thin layer of vaseline on without covering it. After 5 weeks the risk of infection by keeping it uncovered should be minimal. I’d let it air out and scab over to heal. Your best bet is to call your surgeon’s office and get their professional recommendations.
          lkb
          Participant
            Annie, I just recently learned, eighteen months after a surgery, that my treatment center has a designated Wound Clinic. Not sure why I wasn’t referred there before, but I’m on the list now for help with my WLE and skin-graft donor sites. Neither is where I think it should be. Just an option for you to explore in case you need it. Good luck!
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