6 weeks post op lipoma removal on scalp, experiencing recurring swelling (thick blood). Thoughts? (photo)

Question

I had a minor surgery to remove a lipoma (4cm) on the crown of my head. The procedure was supposed to be 10 minutes but took almost an hour because it turned out that the lipoma was covered with lots of blood vessels (angiolipoma?) Since the surgery (6 weeks ago) ive had a golf ball sized swelling on my head. The doctor initially told me would resolve in the first 2 weeks. Ive had most of it drained by doctor (it is thick blood) but within 12 hours it is golfball sized again. Any thoughts?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

There is always a possibility that blood has accumulated again under the skin (hematoma). It will need to be drained again. There also could be a leaky blood vessel that might need to be cauterized. RegardsDr.J

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your healing difficulties.  Unfortunately it appears that you will require another drainage procedure to help speed the healing process.  May want to consider some temporary compression to the area after treatment to help avoid a recurrence.  Hope this helps.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

You should return to the surgeon who carried out the surgery or see a suitably qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.Swelling where a lipoma has been removed could be several things. The most likely are a haematoma (collection of blood), less likely seroma (collection of tissue fluid) or possibly pus if it was infected but this unlikely if there are no signs of inflammation on the surface.Best wishes

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6 weeks post op lipoma removal on scalp, experiencing recurring swelling (thick blood). Thoughts? (photo)

Answers (3)

LIPOMA REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU