Concern Over Recent Oral Surgery
After dealing with a mucocele for nearly a year, I finally decided to have it surgically removed, but the recovery has been nothing short of a nightmare. The pain is intense—as I anticipated—but what caught me off guard was the shocking result: an almost 1 cm gash that wasn’t stitched properly. Seriously?! To make matters worse, the skin around the area appears overly stretched, the stitches are sloppily done, and there are noticeable gaps. The recovery images I found before the procedure looked nothing like this. The incision itself is a bit more than one inch long, while the cyst was about 8mm in both dimensions. I'm feeling quite lost right now. I really don’t want to return to the clinic, yet I can’t accept leaving things as they are. Is this typical after such a surgery?
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 1:30:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a very frustrating and painful recovery after your oral surgery. It's understandable to feel concerned about the appearance of the incision and the quality of the closure. Let's address your situation clearly.
Main Points:
- Post-Surgical Recovery Variability: Some swelling and discomfort post-surgery can be normal, but significant irregularities in stitching and wound appearance are concerning.
- Concern About Proper Healing: The way a wound is stitched impacts healing and appearance, and noticeable gaps or improper stitching can lead to complications.
Explanation:
After having a mucocele removed, it is common to experience pain and swelling, as the tissues need to heal. However, an incision that appears improperly stitched, with gaps and being overly stretched, may not be typical. Proper wound closure is important for healing, minimizing scarring, and preventing infection.
While it’s common for patients to feel apprehensive about returning to the clinic due to worries about judgment or reopening concerns, seeking professional guidance is critical when the healing does not match expectations.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on the incision site for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these, it’s essential to seek help.
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Manage Pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as appropriate (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to manage your discomfort. Follow dosage instructions on the packaging.
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Consider Wound Care: Keep the area clean and dry. If you were given specific aftercare instructions, follow them carefully. Avoid picking at scabs or excessive movement that might stress the incision.
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Reach Out for Guidance: Although it’s uncomfortable, consider contacting the clinic or the surgeon for advice regarding your concerns. You can express your hesitations and seek guidance on how to best care for the wound.
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Second Opinion (if needed): If you remain dissatisfied after contacting your initial clinic and feel your concerns remain unaddressed, it’s entirely reasonable to seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider, ideally one with experience in oral surgery.
Your recovery is important, and taking these steps can help ensure you're on the right path to healing. Please remember, addressing these concerns will bring you peace of mind and better recovery outcomes.
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