I have a five week old facial laceration. It was about a one inch gash extending from my lip through the so called vermilion border up into my cheek. (Basically, a split lip.) It was sutured, there were no complications, the sutures were removed in five days, I was on a broad spectrum antibiotic, end of story. Except for swelling. It isn't new swelling, it isn't sore, it isn't hot, it isn't particularly red, but it is still swollen. The swollen area is very small but just won't go down. I had a three week check of it - I am told these things take time and that I shouldn't consider it to be truly "chronic" swelling until after three months. Gee, I have had injuries before, but I haven't ever had something that was swollen for so long. Is there something about the lip area that makes it prone to slow healing? It is just the corner of the lip that remains puffy. The suture line looks good. I have a facial surgeon appointment but not until the spring. Not sure I will need it, since things look pretty good. (except for the swelling!) (yes I have iced it ad nauseum.) thanks.