Elliptical (side-side/direct) closures

This type of surgery is where a skin lesion is removed in the shape of an ellipse/oval and the two skin edges are stitched together side by side.

This picture was taken immediately after surgery on the left cheek.  In this case a large Basal Cell Carcinoma was removed and the skin edges were sutured under the skin with a synthetic material called monocryl (Poliglecaprone) that is absorbed by the skin usually within four to eight weeks.  Steri-strips are placed on the surface of the skin to line the skin edges up perfectly and a dressing is placed over the top.