Post-Tooth Extraction Skin Changes: Flat Tissue Concerns

Q: Post-Tooth Extraction Skin Changes: Flat Tissue Concerns

Hello： Based solely on the textual description, it is not possible to accurately diagnose a skin condition. <br>If the appearance is not very obvious, a physical examination may be necessary. <br>If the skin condition does not improve or worsens, it is advisable to consult a near

After the swelling of the cheeks subsides, there is still a flat, pancake-like tissue that has not healed?

Hello Dr.
Lee, my question is related to the extraction of my wisdom tooth, but it seems to be more of a dermatological issue, so I would like to ask you.
Three months ago, I underwent surgery to remove my lower right wisdom tooth.
After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen.
One month post-surgery, I was referred to a medical center for intraoral drainage (a small incision was made, so there were no stitches or follow-up appointments for suture removal).
A month later, the swelling noticeably decreased (though there was still a lump, which felt spherical and was not painful).
I then started massaging it (I think I applied a bit too much pressure).
After nearly a month of massage, the lump has almost disappeared, but now I have a concern that feels strange.
Although the spherical lump has nearly resolved and there are no obvious abnormalities upon close inspection, if I pinch the area where the lump was, I can feel a flat, slightly hard, disc-shaped tissue with a diameter of about 1.2 cm (no longer spherical).
Normally, when pinching the skin on my face, the area between my fingers would bulge due to elasticity, but this area feels flat like a disc.
The skin over this tissue is the same color as the surrounding skin (barely showing a faint coffee color from the initial bruise) and has the same roughness (smoothness).
However, upon closer inspection, the surrounding tissue appears to be slightly depressed.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Based on this rough description, can you give me an idea of what this flat, disc-shaped tissue might be? (Knowing what it is might alleviate my concerns.) 2) Is this flat, disc-shaped tissue a result of improper massage and pressure? Will it gradually return to normal? Thank you, Dr.
Lee.

Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/22

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology

Hello: Based solely on the textual description, it is not possible to accurately diagnose a skin condition.
If the appearance is not very obvious, a physical examination may be necessary.
If the skin condition does not improve or worsens, it is advisable to consult a nearby dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2024/07/22

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the changes in your skin following your wisdom tooth extraction. It’s understandable to feel anxious about any alterations in your skin, especially after a surgical procedure. Let’s break down your questions and provide some insights based on your description.

1. Understanding the Flat Tissue Concern: The flat, slightly hard tissue you are describing could be a result of several factors related to the healing process after your tooth extraction. After any surgical procedure, the body goes through a healing phase that can involve inflammation, tissue remodeling, and sometimes the formation of scar tissue. The "flat pancake-like" structure you feel could be a form of fibrous tissue or scar tissue that has developed as part of the healing process. This is not uncommon, especially in areas where there has been significant swelling or trauma.
The fact that the tissue is the same color as your surrounding skin and has a similar texture is a positive sign, indicating that it is likely not an infection or abnormal growth. However, the slight indentation you mentioned could suggest that the underlying tissue has not fully returned to its original state, which can happen after inflammation and healing.

2. Impact of Massage: Regarding your concern about whether the massage you performed contributed to this flat tissue, it’s essential to approach post-surgical areas with caution. While gentle massage can sometimes help in breaking down scar tissue and promoting circulation, excessive pressure or aggressive manipulation can lead to further irritation or even the formation of more scar tissue. It’s possible that your massage technique may have influenced the texture of the tissue, but it’s also likely that the changes you’re observing are part of the natural healing process.

In terms of recovery, many patients find that such areas gradually improve over time. The body continues to remodel scar tissue for months, and with time, the appearance and texture of the skin can become more normalized. It’s essential to be patient during this process, as healing can take time.

Recommendations:
- Gentle Care: Continue to be gentle with the area. Avoid aggressive massage or pressure, as this could exacerbate any underlying issues.

- Moisturization: Keeping the area well-moisturized can help improve the texture of the skin. Consider using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to support the healing process.

- Consultation: If you notice any changes in color, increased hardness, or if the area becomes painful, it would be wise to consult a dermatologist or your oral surgeon. They can provide a more thorough examination and determine if any further treatment is necessary.

In conclusion, while the changes you are experiencing can be concerning, they are often part of the healing process following surgery. With time and gentle care, many patients find that their skin returns to a more normal state. If you have further concerns or if the situation does not improve, please do not hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

Best wishes for your continued healing, and thank you for trusting me with your questions.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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