I had Mohs surgery on my lower lip four days ago and have five stitches. How long can I expect swelling?

Question

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

This varies from person to person and case to case.  Typically the lip can be swollen for several days, and even for over a week or two, but then returns to normal.  Ice or cold compresses may help to ameliorate this swelling, as will elevation of the head (perhaps on 1-2 extra pillows at night) while sleeping.

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

Some areas, such as the lip and eyelid, tend to have more swelling for a longer period than areas like the cheek and forehead. The lymphatics that collect fluid that weep out of blood vessels  are more easily disrupted in these locations and take longer to repair. Check with your doctor to confirm that the swelling is normal given the type of surgery performed and make sure to return to the doctor if you develop any other signs of infection (e.g. fever, redness, increasing swelling, pain). Good luck.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The lip area tends to swell a great deal from Mohs surgery just due to blood flow in that area. This is a good thing because it will help it to heal well, but hard because it increases swelling. Swelling from any procedure should last 10-14 days at most. You can ice if you'd like, but really it's probably best to just let everything be and have them check the site at your suture removal appointment. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I had Mohs surgery on my lower lip four days ago and have five stitches. How long can I expect swelling?

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I had Mohs surgery on my lower lip four days ago and have five stitches. How long can I expect swelling?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.