Swelling on face

[Helliwelli12]

I am experiencing swelling on my face on the same side that I had a temporal artery biopsy has anyone else experienced this and should I be concerned?

[SnazzyD]

Difficult to say. How long is it since your biopsy? Where exactly is the swelling? How does it feel?

[Helliwelli12 in reply to SnazzyD]

It's been 7 weeks since the biopsy and the swelling is around the cheek but I have read this can be a sympton of prednisolone I am currently on 17.5 mg

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Helliwelli12]

Is it on both sides - so you look as if you have chubby cheeks?

[Helliwelli12 in reply to PMRpro]

I would say both cheeks are chubby but the side where the biopsy done is more chubby.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Helliwelli12]

Pred leads to excess glucose being stored as fat deposits in specific place - around the face and neck being one. It could be coincidence the biopsy side is more obvious. Or it could be left-over trauma swelling from the biopsy.

[Helliwelli12 in reply to PMRpro]

Good to know the reason for this thanks for your reply

[SnazzyD in reply to Helliwelli12]

Yes, I was the same. My biopsy side always had slightly worse Pred cheeks for the reasons PMRPro says. I also found that the biopsy wound took a good year to resolve as is common with wounds that go through a few layers. However, it shouldn’t be painful unless you poke it.

[Helliwelli12 in reply to SnazzyD]

It's not painful but just more puffy on my cheek that side. I suppose it eventually goes down when the prednisolone doze decreases?

[tangocharlie]

I'd say yes, if it feels like an infection or the artery is standing out. If in doubt see a doctor

[Helliwelli12 in reply to tangocharlie]

It is just more puffy one side the wound where the biopsy was taken looks fine.