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Puffiness After Mohs Surgery

asked 3 years ago by priscilla
Latest answer by M. Christine Lee, MD
Question viewed 7,595 times
Tags: puffiness, swelling

I had Mohs surgery done on my face just below the eye 5 weeks ago. There is still some puffiness in the area. Is this normal and if so, is there something I can do to relieve it?

10 answers to Puffiness After Mohs Surgery

+1

Puffiness near the eye after skin cancer surgery

Surgery near the eyelids and the lips tends to have puffiness for a longer period than other sites. This is related to the delicate lymphatic channels at these sites. It takes time for the lymphatics to recover in these sites and during that time there may be some puffiness. Make sure to follow up with the surgeon to assure there are no other issues, but this problem is likely going to be self limited and resolve in a few weeks to months.
Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

www.dermatology-center.com

+1

Swelling normal after Mohs reconstruction

Swelling or puffiness around the eye and anywhere on the face is common after reconstruction. This likely results from edema which is tissue swelling. This can also result from maneuver like skin edge eversion that result in better scars but in the short term can cause a ridge around the edge of the reconstruction. Massage is very helpful starting 2-3 weeks after reconstruction. Steroid injections can also be used very conservatively for hypertrophic scars. A visit to a facial plastic... more
Stephen Weber, MD

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Puffiness 5 weeks after reconstruction can be normal

After Mohs surgery, depending on the reconstruction especially near the eye, there can be swelling and healing that goes on for several months. 5 weeks is very early in the process. I wouldn't worry and let it heal for a good 5-6 months. Remember you probably had a hole that had to be fixed. Things need some time to heal.
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Will flatten out

   While I am not a Moh's surgeon, I have certainly referred numerous patients for this treatment. One of the things I have noticed is that many patients look terrible if seen a few weeks after their surgery. The area is puffy, red, and swollen.  However, when seen a few months later the wound has healed remarkably well and in nearly all occasions there has been an excellent cosmetic result.     Be patient.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Puffiness after Mohs Surgery normal for 2-3 months

Puffiness, or a raised scar, is very normal for 2-3 months after surgery. In fact, one of the principles of cosmetic reconstruction is to "evert" the wound edges, so it can actually be a good sign that the scar is raised for 6-8 weeks. It's not time to panic yet. Scars will normally remained firm and raised, but will flatten out after 8 weeks or so, depending on the thickness of skin and type of closure. Here are 2 things you can do to help: 1. Begin using silicone sheeting or... more
Chad L. Prather, MD

Baton Rouge Dermatologist
+1

Puffiness after Mohs surgery

It is not uncommon particularly around the eye to have puffiness after surgery. However, this should be self limited. Puffiness should resolve. If it doesnt resolve and it is cosmetically bothersome, then I would suggest that you first discuss with your Mohs Surgeon . If he is unable to help resolve the puffiness, then I would suggest you discuss this with a plastic surgeon. The puffiness is typically not indicative of a cancer recurrence but is more indicative of a healing issue related... more
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

+1

Swelling and puffiness normal for many weeks after Mohs surgery

In general, do not worry too much about some puffiness under the eye area after surgery, Mohs or otherwise. The early phase of healing lasts a month, and by 2 to 3 months there should be significant improvement. By 6 months even better, and by 12 even better. But truthfully, scars improve all the time indefinitely and the body wants the tissue to return to its natural state. It happens slowly over time. I agree you may gently massage the area to help speed the smoothing. It definitely helps... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Scar massage important for post-surgical wound

You are experiencing normal course of wound healing after Mohs micrograophic surgery. Hypertrophic scar change is partially due to skin tissue reaction to the buried suture material and should improve over time. You should perform scar massage 10x 3-4 times a day, starting a month after sutures have been removed. After a couple months, if there is significant puffiness, your Mohs surgeon can perform intralesional steroid injection to soften the scar tissue.
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Puffiness after Mohs surgery

This puffiness after your Mohs procedure is normal.  You can try gentle manual massaging of the area to encourage the fluid to leave that area.  If a flap repair was done, you should see gradual improvement over the next couple of months.
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+1

Puffiness and swelling around the eye after Mohs surgery

It's normal to have swelling or puffiness around the surgical especially when it involves the eye area for several months after surgery. It helps to apply cold compresses for a few minutes several times a day. Vigilon or 2nd skin or a hydrogel dressing left in the refrigerator and then applied to the area might also give some relief. Try not to bend over and keep your head upright. A surgical wound is not 100% healed until after one year.
M. Christine Lee, MD

Walnut Creek Dermatologic Surgeon

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