11 days post op Lipoma removal, the swelling, bruising is getting larger, lower on my back, and it hurts. Any suggestion?(photo)

Question

When do I know I should go to the er as this would be my only choice.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

You should definitely go back to your surgeon to have him/her take a look at your surgical site. Increasing swelling/bruising and pain may indicate a post-operative complication such as bleeding (hematoma) or infection, and needs to be addressed in the very near future.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Yes.  Contact your surgeon ASAP.Hopefully you don't have any more systemic signs - such as fever, chills, sweats, etc.  Bruising and swelling are common after many surgical procedures but it's often a question of degree - how much, is it increasing, is there an implant (even minor bruising and swelling around an implant, such as a breast implant, is typically of greater concern than the same in the absence of an implant).  For a relatively large lipoma, leaving a drain in the newly created space (where the lipoma was) can help in evacuating fluid but whether or not a drain was left there at the time of the procedure you have to be vigilant to make sure blood/fluid is not reaccumulating anew.I'm concerned that that may be the case for you, particularly since you describe the symptoms as worsening.  You may need to have the incision opened for drainage (with or without irrigation), or have a drain put in, or both.  Either way, please contact your surgeon and plan to be seen in person.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

11 days post op Lipoma removal, the swelling, bruising is getting larger, lower on my back, and it hurts. Any suggestion?(photo)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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11 days post op Lipoma removal, the swelling, bruising is getting larger, lower on my back, and it hurts. Any suggestion?(photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.