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How long does lower leg excision take to heal?

Hi. I had a BCC excised from my lower right leg (just above the ankle) 17 days ago. The stitches were removed 3 days ago. The incision was about 2.5 inches (7cm) long. I was told I should be able to walk normally but to take it easy, and yet after 17 days, I'm still shuffling along slowly due to the tightness of the area. Has anyone else had an excision from the same lower leg area to aid me with info regarding their recovery time? (I'm paranoid as I'm going walking overseas in 7 weeks time.)

  1. Hi , I hope you're doing a little better now! I wanted to share with you the advice from our Facebook post about this, which saw a really huge response (link: https://www.facebook.com/skincancerdotnet/posts/2656739171019307). Keep in mind that people mention different lengths of incision, so that might make quite a difference:

    "I've had a BC and SC on my leg, with about a 3 inch scar. Both healed pretty good. Don't push it, but don't baby it either. In 7 weeks, you should be good to go. I used vitamin E oil. If the liquid cost too much, just pop open a cap. If you still feel odd, maybe use a light stretch bandage over it, when you are walking. If it still hurts then, ask your doctor to take a look. Good Luck"

    "I had a Mohs done on my lower leg......had to have a pump attached for circulation so it would heal ..... I was told the lower leg has less circulation so therefore a longer healing process....."

    "A long time. Treat it carefully and don’t rush it. It will heal and will continue to heal even after you think it has. ❤️"

    "Your skin is VERY THIN in that area. You may have “adhesions” ( sticking scar tissue), try doing a light massage in that area. Good luck"

    "I felt the pulling of skin so strongly. For years, i my foot and lower leg felt like it was pulling to one side. My incision about 6" long. Attached vein to give calf blood flow. Mine was on the back of my leg. That was 10 years ago next month. It feels normal again."

    "My shoulder took me 2 1/2 months ☹"

    "I have had close to 30 basal cell removed from various parts of my body and all of them healed differently. I am actually scheduled tomorrow morning to have one behind my knee removed. I know it can get very frustrating dealing with the removals, but you just have to remember this too shall pass and only you know your body well enough to know how to navigate the healing process. Hang in there! "

    - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team

    1. Thanks for the advice and stories. It’s easier to walk now. My surgeon told me just to walk normally. I think I was afraid of the wound becoming apart.

      1. I'm glad it's getting easier, . I can completely understand being anxious to see some progress after 17 days. Luckily it sounds like it just needed a little more time. Enjoy your overseas adventure! - Nina, SkinCancer.net Team

    2. Hello I realize this post is from a year ago and I hope all is well. I just had my surgery on April 28th. Is very painful and traumatic experience for me it was very quick from beginning to end as the cancer was growing very quickly and had to be removed. Mine was on my lower left shin my incision was approximately 4 in Long 5 very spaced out stitches to hold it together. It is healing Force up there two spots but have not healed I just don't know if it's coming back or if it just takes a long time how long did it take your incision to completely heal.

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