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Squamous Cell Cancer Upper Lip and Philtrum
I had MOHS surgery 6 weeks ago for squamous cell upper lip and left philtrum. I am still so very uncomfortable pulling and tightness and the symmetry of my mouth is still pulling to the left a lot. Looking for others with similar experience and expectations on healing.
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@moorjan3: First let me welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. We have a lot of members here who have undergone Mohs procedures, myself included - although I personally have not had one in this delicate area. I can imagine how uncomfortable it is for you especially when you try to talk or eat, even smile or yawn as the deeper tissue is still healing.
Has your provider recommended any type of gentle massage to the area? This can generally be done once the incision area has healed so check with your clinician to see if you can begin massging the treated area in a firm circular motion, then up and down up to 3 times a day, 3-5 minutes with Vitamin E or silocone gel; these help to break down scar tissue. You can also try applying Vaseline (or some form of petroleum jelly) or Aquaphor (or equivalent form of medical grade oitment so the lip and philtrum are kept moist. You can also try cutting up food into small, manageable pieces so you don't have to work as hard moving your mouth. Try practicing gradual opening your mouth in exercises such as a small yawn, a small smile to gradually increase your comfort level.
The full healing of the inner sutures could take 3 months or so; give yourself some rest in the meantime. If symptoms persist beyond 4-6 months to give the nerves time to regenerate, check back with the physician who performed the procedure.
Can you let me know after a week or so if this helps with the tightness you're experiencing?
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1 ReactionI have been doing the massage for 4 weeks and using silicone sheets at night. It is not helping with the high level of discomfort. I use Vaseline to massage and use the silicone sheets for about 13-15 hours at night while sleeping. I have also been doing the exercises with my mouth. My surgeon indicated internal sutures take 3-4 weeks to dissolve so I am not sure about your comment on healing at 3 months if you could elaborate on that. They are considering Kenalog steroid shot next week which would be week 8 given my high discomfort level. Thank you for your response.