Dr. Rudolph to the Rescue -- Again
When I realized the shiny spot on my top lip was getting larger, I decided "No more messing around." I called Dr. Rudolph's office to ask if he would do a biopsy. I think because I was an established patient, his office said yes.
I'm so glad they did, because I was tired of being told by multiple dermatologists over the past year some variation of "It's nothing." Having had skin cancer twice already, where both times it went unacknowledged for years, I wasn't buying it.
Dr. Rudolph, knowing my history, simply said, "The logical thing would be to do a biopsy." Yes! I appreciate that he got it. And I knew from last year's procedure he would do an amazing job.
He went on to explain during the appointment the kind of biopsy he thought was best, and why. This was a different kind from the one suggested by the most recent dermatologist. That kind, Dr. Rudolph said, can leave a white mark on the lip. Nice. See why it pays to involve a plastic surgeon? One you like and trust? This is, after all, your face.
Incidentally, the most recent dermatologist did offer to do a biopsy, but didn't think I needed one. I did. And with all due respect, I wanted to be absolutely confident it would get done right the first time.
That's why Dr. Rudolph is my go-to guy. He and his team (Cynthia and Erin) took care of the biopsy and made it as pain-free as possible. Per his usual style, he also called me that night, just to make sure everything was okay. It was.
When the results came back positive for basal cell, Dr. Rudolph called to give me the news. "Unfortunately," he said, "you have a good eye." Definitely the most diplomatic way I've ever been told I had skin cancer. So thankful, by the way, that none of the three cases were life-threatening. Life-altering, but not life-threatening.
I went back less than a month after the biopsy, with Dr. Hugh Greenway doing the Mohs surgery and Dr. Rudolph doing the closure. When Dr. Rudolph saw the wound, he simply smiled and said, "I can fix that!"
God bless 'im, he did.
He and his nurses Mary and Liz went above and beyond to put me at ease and make the surgery smooth and comfortable. Even in the days afterward, when my lip was looking and feeling rather beat up, Mary went to great lengths to make sure I was healing right on schedule. I was. Note to self: Lips are touchy, in more ways than one.
The stitches are out, and just as Mary predicted, the healing has turned a corner. Dr. Rudolph had done the suture in a strategic spot so it will blend in as much as possible. In time, the area will fade completely or close to it. Scar cream and aloe vera/Vitamin E seem to help, but I think the big thing is simply time and patience. And of course avoiding direct sun.
But even with time not yet on my side (surgery was less than two weeks ago), I'm thrilled with how beautifully the area disappears with a little foundation and concealer -- Diorskin Forever Foundation and Lancome Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer, in case it helps.
Best of all, I am free of skin cancer. This thing would still be doing its insidious damage, had I not followed my gut and sought out Dr. Rudolph's assistance.
If you need beautiful results and expert guidance, backed by an Ivy League education and a lifetime of compassionate practice, insist on Dr. Ross Rudolph. You'll be forever glad you did. read more