It may look like a swollen lump and feel tender or sore. A small seroma is not dangerous. Depending on its size and symptoms, it may not need to be treated. The seroma may go away on its own within a few weeks or months.
In this regard, why is there a hard lump under my incision?
A seroma is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. Seromas may develop after a surgical procedure, most often at the site of the surgical incision or where tissue was removed. The fluid, called serum, doesn’t always build up right away.
Consequently, why does it feel hard under my scar?
Scar tissue, which consists of a tough, fibrous protein called collagen, forms when the body repairs a wound. Common causes of scars include injury, surgery, and infection. As scar tissue begins to form, it may appear red, raised, and hard, but over time it fades, flattens, and softens.
Can scar tissue form a hard lump?
What are keloids? When skin is injured, fibrous tissue called scar tissue forms over the wound to repair and protect the injury. In some cases, extra scar tissue grows, forming smooth, hard growths called keloids. Keloids can be much larger than the original wound.
What happens if Seroma is left untreated?
Small seromas often resolve on their own, although left untreated, they can calcify, forming hard knots. Larger seromas often require aspiration (removal of fluid), generally accomplished with a needle.
When should I worry about a lump under my skin?
It’s important to talk with your doctor about any lumps that are larger than two inches (about the size of a golf ball), grow larger, or are painful regardless of their location. “Tell your doctor about new lumps or other symptoms that cannot be explained or that don’t go away in a few weeks,” Dr. Shepard says.
What is the difference between a seroma and a hematoma?
Seromas are different from hematomas, which contain red blood cells, and abscesses, which contain pus and result from an infection. Serous fluid is also different from lymph. Early or improper removal of sutures can sometimes lead to formation of seroma or discharge of serous fluid from operative areas.
How do I know if I have a seroma?
The presence of a seroma can be identified if the following signs and symptoms are present:
- Transparent or clear fluid under the wound;
- A swollen spot;
- Fluctuation in the area;
- Pain in or around the wound;
- Redness and increased temperature in the area surrounding the wound.
Does scar tissue feel like lumps?
Scar tissue can cause its own side effects: nerve pain or numbness if scar tissue forms around nerves. A lump of scar tissue forms in the hole left after breast tissue is removed. If scar tissue forms around a stitch from surgery it’s called a suture granuloma and also feels like a lump.
Can massage break up old scar tissue?
The most common situations a massage can help to break down scar tissue include acute pain, post-surgery and scarring. A massage can reduce acute pain by breaking down scar tissue. A buildup of scar tissue causes restriction that increases pain.
Can massaging a scar make it worse?
Scar massage is an effective way to decrease scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Massage will not help soften a scar more than two years old.
What does a keloid look like?
A keloid is usually a raised scar with a flat surface. The color tends to darken with time. It usually ends up being darker than the person’s skin, with the border being darker than the center. Feel different than the surrounding skin.
Why is my scar raised?
Most scars are flat and pale. However, in cases when the body produces too much collagen, scars can be raised. Raised scars are called hypertrophic scars or keloid scars. Both of these kinds of scars are more common in younger and dark-skinned people.
Why is my wound raised?
Chemical signals in the body tell cells around the wound to make elastic tissues called collagen. This helps to repair the skin and tissues in the wound. Collagen is like a scaffold that other cells can be built on. At this stage in healing, you might see a fresh, raised, red scar.
