Swelling After Large Lipoma Removal? Whats the Cause and Cure?

My husband had a lipoma removed from the back of his neck four days ago. Now the right side of his neck is swollen to the size of a golf ball. Need help on what to do since his doctor is closed.

Tags:

neck swelling

Comment on this

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Crystalburns

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (0)

Seroma management following Lipoma removal

What you describe is a seroma, or collection of serum in the empty raw space where the lipoma used to be. If there is a lot of bruising associated with it, it could also be a hematoma (blood clot under the skin). . Fortunately is resolves but some are persistent and take a long time. Occasionally a new drain needs to be placed. An elastic vest is helpful, decreasing back movement associated with exercise, and in rare cases injection of tetracycline with a drain in place is required... more

Swelling four days after lipoma removal is likely a fluid collection

Swelling four days after lipoma removal is likely a fluid collection. This could either be blood or tissue fluid. If it's truly the size of a golf ball, this should be drained to speed the recovery process and prevent potential infection.

What is causing the swelling after large lipoma removal?

after a lipoma is removed, especially a large one, an empty space is left in the tissues. the body tends to fill in this empty space with fluid called a seroma. usually, seromas do not require specific treatment unless they get infected or are very tense. a warm compress over the area may help the fluid to be reabsorbed or to spontaneously drain. if there is warmth, redness or pus at the site, it may need drained and treated with antibiotics and wound packing... more

Swelling after lipoma

You more than likely have a seroma or a hematoma. Seroma being the more likely. The doctor can do a needle drainage. If it is bruised then it could be a hematoma which is treated differently. If it is red and tender it might be infected. This would need and I and d. Most likely it is a seroma which can be drained though.