There is a lump in my right armpit on the incision. Is it scar tissue, will it go away and is it anything to be concerned of?

Question

I am 2 weeks post op and in my right armpit by the incision line there is a hard lump. I do not have any fever, redness, or drainage from the site but it is just tender to the touch.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Amimi,What surgery did you have? Your description can be any number of things such as normal healing, hypertrophic scar, neuroma, hematoma, seroma, etc.  Its best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for a detailed exam in this situation.Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Likely a suture or a scar lump.  I would not be concerned at 2 weeks unless it's a red and tender lump which would suggest a small infection.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Transaxillary breast augmentations in the first month after surgery may cause various lumps in the armpit.  In general, these are benign and should not cause any long term problems.  In my experience, these lumps could be:1.  A subcutaneous suture in the suture line that has not yet dissolved2.  A collection of blood and fat that will resorb3.  A lymph node which is swollen secondary to the surgery4.  Any tissue in the armpit that was injured during surgery and is now in the inflammatory stageAt this point, it would be appropriate to call your Board Certified plastic surgeon to get their take on your concerns.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Some small irregularities and lumps can be normal and part of the healing process.  If however the lump  is different than the rest and painful it may be secondary to a small collection of blood or possibly an infection around a deeper stitch.  You should be examined by your surgeon to determine whether or not the lump is out of the ordinary.  It is a collection of blood or a localized stitch infection drainage may be all that is necessary.  Good luck

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

There are a number of possibilities, all readily sorted out with a physical exam by your surgeon. Likeliest is an undissolved knot of the suture material used to close the incision. Others include a lymph node, fluid collection, or scar from surgery or from the local anesthesia.Reassurance will come from your surgeon!All the best.

There is a lump in my right armpit on the incision. Is it scar tissue, will it go away and is it anything to be concerned of?

Answers (5)