Experiencing swelling after Mohs surgery on cheek: What helps?

If calling to request an appt within the next few days hasn't been successful, you might put your request in writing as in a patient portal followed by a FAX.

@nspitz: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect as many of us here have undergone Mohs surgery and are familiar with the healing process. I can appreciate your concerns as swelling would be expected to decrease after 10 days. But I'm unclear when you say the surgeon doesn't want to see you for a year - is this something that was relayed to you at the time of surgery? I recently had a Mohs procedure and didn't require an immediate follow up, however, in cases where there is concern of possible compromised healing and/or infection, medical evaluation would be warranted.

Have you contacted the office and spoken directly to medical staff there to explain your symptoms? Another alternative would be to have this evaluated by urgent care if your symptoms don't resolve or worsen over the weekend.

@grammato3 @nspitz
@grammato3, Your advise is excellent. I think the poster @nspitz might have misinterpreted the comment meant by surgeon.

My surgeon said to me after surgery that she did not need to see me again unless I had issues with the surgery and gave me a list of things to look for.

I had my MOHS surgeries done at Mayo Jacksonville. I did have an issue with my MOHS as it appeared to look funny (bumps). I sent a portal message and they asked me to come in. They found my incision healing as expected and what I was seeing was normal.

I said to them was that I had had MOHS before but never with stitches so had nothing to compare it too. My surgeon said no problem that is why we are here and feel free to contact us with any questions and concerns.

Let your surgeons know about issues and questions and don't hesitate to do so.

Hello
You’re a very brave person. I would be trusting your instincts and contacting the surgery with your concerns. I would not be taking no for an answer unless you feel comfortable. Look into taking zinc and vitamin c to support your body to heal. High protein diet. All the best

@nspitz, how is the swelling? Did you manage to get an appointment with the surgeon to take a look?

I should state I didn't go to Mayo for treatment. Unfortunately, I was repeatedly dismissed by surgeon. I did see ophthalmologist that surgeon arranged for me. I was treated for cellulitis. I ended up in er with no results from 1st antibiotic treatment. The 2nd antibiotic treatment and prednisone is working. The surgeon refuses to see me and disagrees with the 2 other doctors treatment.

@nspitz: I'm so relieved to hear you sought and obtained treatment for this potentially very serious condition. No matter where you had the procedure done, follow up care when symptoms like yours arise is vital to prevent further complicatons.

The most important outcome is that you received the care you needed and are responding well. I'm curious as to how it was relayed to you that the surgeon who performed the surgery refused to follow up with you and disagreed with other medical professionals who did ultimately treat you accordingly. Does this impact your future involvement with this doctor and/or do you have alternatives for dermatololgical care going forward?

@grammato3
I called the clinic and also used mychart for communication. The stated he didn't agree with antibiotic and prednisone treatment from er and ophthalmology. The surgeon stated in mychart I was anxious and dr shopping.
I have made a followup appointment with a different dermatologist/surgeon in the clinic for followup. I think I will withhold any more comments about my outcome. I'm concerned about scar/facial symmetry/eyelid droop. I'm early in this process so I need to focus on healing.

@nspitz Thank you for letting me know. Absolutely do what is right for you as you explore and navigate this situation. All the best with your healing.