How long does the swelling and redness last after Mohs on nose?

Question

How long does the swelling and redness last? Do most patients need the dog ear cut off a month after surgery?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling can last 6-12 weeks and redness in scars sometimes longer.  I typically recommend laser treatments starting 3 weeks after suture are removed to help the scar mature.  Also, I have all my patients on Biocorneum scar gel.  I suggest speaking to your physician.  Dog ears can be fixed surgically or with laser resurfacing.  Typically they are removed during the reconstruction so you do not have to go back and repair them.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

No the swelling and redness are part of the healing process however I have gone back on some patients to excise the swollen area and have also done focal, fine liposuction of the thick area.  The dog ear of skin usually does need excision.  Each surgeon will have a different point at which they are comfortable with treating the dog ear- mine is approximately 6 months.  Redness can be treated with photofacial therapy to decrease the redness.Best Wishes!!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Redness and swelling will dissipate progressively over 3 to 6 months. We have found the use of scar cream and massage postop to be helpful both in terms of speeding their resolution and improving final results. Dog ears usually improve over time. If they persist, it is typically a minor surgical procedure to revise them.

David K. Funt, MD · Answer

Post
procedure scar redness varies based on a patient’s genetically determined healing
characteristics and the location of the scar.Scars take longer to mature in younger people and are more prone to
hyperpigmentation (darkening) in those with darker complexions.A patient should anticipate six months to one
year for scar maturation after a facial Moh’s procedure.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling may persist for up to a year after surgery.  Dog ears will sometimes resolve on their own, but can usually be excised if they persist.

How long does the swelling and redness last after Mohs on nose?

Answers (5)

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