Does it make sense that my upper eyelid is still swollen 2.5 weeks after surgery?

Question

I am a 53 year old woman who got bcc on a spot in the corner of my forehead. When the bcc was removed it was about a half dollar size, and I was told "not too deep". The doc cut me up vertically from the outer top of my eyebrow and over and then down the side of my face through the edge of my sideburn area to my ear. I had a very closed and bright purple black eye. Is it normal that 2 1/2 weeks later my upper eyelid is still very puffy and distorted...with a tiny bit of purple left? Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Moh’s surgery on the face often requires surgical repair and reconstruction to reapproximate the skin edges. Flaps or direct closure techniques are used. It is important that you optimize scar healing during this phase in order to reduce longterm scars. For red scars, we use Vbeam laser, followed by fractional laser for scar topography and contour. We recommend Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily for the immediate postoperative period. Fractional laser is safe for scar laser therapy. 
There are treatments for swelling and edema of the scars. If there is residual sutures or edema, we advise you to follow a scar treatment protocol that can minimize the time to recovery. Our office specializes in scar revisions for Moh’s surgery. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Mark L. Mazow, MD, FACS · Answer

You haven't posted photos which makes specific comments difficult, but in general from your description of the defect and the reconstruction I would be surprised if all of the swelling and bruising  had gone after two and a half weeks. In fact with a flap such as this it may go on for several more weeks. Consult with your surgeon for more specific advice.

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Does it make sense that my upper eyelid is still swollen 2.5 weeks after surgery?

Answers (2)

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