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What Causes Constant Tightness At The Suture Site After Lip Surgery?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2017
Question: Hi Doc!
I had developed tight contractual scar/banding under my lower lip (inside) - the outcome of a previous chin surgery (chin implant removal).
An Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon removed the scar using Z plasty technique two weeks back. The sutures have now fully healed but I still feel tightness/tension in the 'suture site'. My surgeon tells me that it would take few more weeks for all the tightness/tension to go.
Well, I have stitches in different parts of my body - I don't even remember them now since I don't feel any tightness/tension in those 'sites'. If there were any contraction/tightness in any of those 'sites', I would be reminded of my 'wound' every day... but that is not case with those 'sites'.
Doc, I was wondering as to when the 'suture site' under my lower lip become totally 'tension free' in the sense that I'm not reminded (when I eat or speak - there's no tension at rest) that I got stitches under my lip - hope you get my point. Moreover, what should I do to help the 'site' become softer?
Thanks for your kind response. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can take a few days to months..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Yes, it can take from a few days to months for the tightness to recover..
As this is a delicate area and under continuous attention you tend to be more conscious..
Do not worry as it is not serious but can take time to improve..
There is no specific treatment for the same but you can do alternate warm and cool compresses over the area and see if it gets better..
Keep patience and avoid focussing on it continuously..

Hope this helps..

Regards..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (2 days later)
Well, Doc, you seem to have very rightly suggested that I should not focus too much on the 'procedure'. Agreed...actually there's not too much of 'tightness' - in the sense that when I think of my surgery I start feeling 'tension' in my chin. But, at the same time, there is definitely some tension and tightness...but...the things get worse when I focus too much on them constantly. You seem to have understood the 'real issue' here. Hopefully the tightness and tension will go off 'physically' as well as 'mentally' with the passage of time. Anyway, thanks for your earnest response. Well, Doc, if you have any more suggestion, kindly do share with me...I'd gladly go by your commands. Warm Regards. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Leave it as it is and relax..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
You got me right..
Just relax and do not focus on it..
With time it will improve on its own..
The more you become anxious the more it will exaggerate as it becomes more of psychological issue..
So just carry on with your routine and be easy with life..
There is nothing wrong and you will be fine for sure..

Please let me know for more queries..

Regards..
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Honey Arora

Dentist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 14093 Questions

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What Causes Constant Tightness At The Suture Site After Lip Surgery?

Brief Answer: Can take a few days to months.. Detailed Answer: Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Yes, it can take from a few days to months for the tightness to recover.. As this is a delicate area and under continuous attention you tend to be more conscious.. Do not worry as it is not serious but can take time to improve.. There is no specific treatment for the same but you can do alternate warm and cool compresses over the area and see if it gets better.. Keep patience and avoid focussing on it continuously.. Hope this helps.. Regards..