Had a lipoma operated from left flank 6 weeks ago. I now have pain and a burning sensation. Do I have an infection? (photo)

Question

Had a 5 cm lipoma on left flank growing slowly. After a normal fnac surgeon operated it on 2nd June .and discharged me after the night . No drainage was there. now there is a tiny abcess on the cut. And there is pain as if it is done only yesterday. The pain is not much but drawing concentration all the time. The pain is like some needle going inside all the time. After this one and half month why should there be light pain on touch or light rubbing?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph and I am sorry to hear of your recovery difficulties.  You are right that after 6 weeks you should not be experiencing significant discomfort and I would return to your surgeon for an in-person evaluation.  I do not see any signs of infection but you may have a suture related issue or tissue sensitivity that would benefit from scar massage.  Hope this helps.

Leslie Memsic, MD, FACS · Answer

Based upon your incision photo, you have no evidence of an infection. Sometimes a patient can get temporary burning pain at the site of surgery which should resolve with time. Consult your surgeon if the pain does not resolve or you develop any drainage or discoloration around the incision. Good luck and take care.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Go back and see the treating surgeon. Some of the thing you describe are sensory nerve irritation or damage which  can occur with any surgical procedure. If this is the case, it will subside over time. There is "railroad tracking" due to large sutures which were placed for skin closure.

Had a lipoma operated from left flank 6 weeks ago. I now have pain and a burning sensation. Do I have an infection? (photo)

Answers (3)