Post Op Tongue Surgery

[tommy7s]

About two weeks ago I had a benign mass removed from the top my tongue on the right side...caused by trauma (perhaps biting it).  The mass was approx. 1 cm square.  It required stitches.  The stitches were removed about a week ago.  There is still swelling on the top and side of my tongue (maybe the size of a marble).  It has healed somewhat, although there appears to be a small split to the right of where the sutures were that is approx 1/2 inch long.  It's kind of like a small flap.  I don't know if this is going to heal or if that's just maybe just where a fissure was.

I am still on antibiotics and i feel fine.  How long does it take for something like this to fully heal?  Also, I noticed that the side of the tongue going up and over the top to the scar is very shiny, almost like plastic wrap.  Is that scarring?  or does it get replaced by new skin at some point.  I still have a bit of pain there but it has improved greatly.

--tom

[Mario Tuchman, DMD, MD]

It's difficult to determine without seeing it clinically, but as long as the pain & swelling decreases each day you are headed in the right direction. It can take 4-8 weeks for it to "fully heal" and you would note any scarring after that. Too early now. How much antibiotics do you have left?

[tommy7s]

I had 10 days and renewed it so I have about 6 days left on it which will make it a total of 20 days.