Scheduled for a Vermilionectomy for premalignant lip tissue

I had a vermillionectomy 3 weeks ago due to a large invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Doc then gave me a mucosal flap advancement. 32 beautiful stitches along my newly created bottom lip. Stitches came out one week after. People say they can barely notice any difference in my appearance. First few days were uncomfortable, the swelling goes down a bit each day. I return to the doc in two weeks to learn about lip massage. My lip is a bit numb yet, and still a tad swollen. Glad I am cancer free.

@happigal This is a very positive report. Surgery that involves our appearance is always full of anxiety. And our lips are such sensitive tissue. I sounds like you have a great surgical team. Thanks for sharing.

@happigal @sepdvm Until last week I had never heard of this procedure! Then my dermatologist froze my lower lip as a precursor to starting a 4 week round of fluorouracil next week, for actinic cheilitis. She said she hopes it will head everything off and not have to go to a vermillionectomy. There have been many squamous cell cancer removed from my face, and arms in the last several years, by MOHS.

Understandably, I am watching things closely! My lower lip is uncomfortable 11 days after the freezing. Using a lot of Vitamin E cream to keep it from drying out too much.
Ginger