Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling, fainting, or heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, worsening pain, or bleeding that returns after initially stopping.
Also report new facial weakness, persistent saliva leaking from the wound, or numbness that is worsening rather than improving.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Mild bruising, tenderness, and limited swelling can be part of routine recovery.
Keep your planned follow-up even if the wound feels well, because the pathology result still needs review.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Salivary gland biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.