Incisions and Drainage of Abscesses and Hematomas in Cincinnati, OH

An abscess drainage incision is called incision and drainage. This procedure involves making a small cut into the abscess to help drain the infected material and pus. Incision and drainage help promote healing, provide pain relief, as well as prevent the spread of infection.

Once the procedure is performed, the affected area is cleaned and can either be left open or covered to continue draining before it begins to fully heal. Generally, an abscess will not drain on its own and will require an incision to allow for drainage, which is performed by urgent care providers, such as those at Eastside Urgent Care.

The incision and drainage of an abscess and hematoma is typically a well-tolerated and effective procedure. However, like most procedures, they can be associated with mild risks.

These can include pain during and after the procedure, possible bleeding, and in some cases, reoccurrence of the abscess. Scarring can also be a complication, depending on the size of the abscess and the individual’s healing capacity.

Slight risks exist for damaging the surrounding area such as nerves, blood vessels, and other structures. Another possibly serious concern is the potential for the infection to spread into the bloodstream or adjacent tissues.

Incomplete drainage might necessitate retreatment or could lead to persisting or worsening conditions of the abscess and hematoma. When performed by specialists at urgent care, such as Eastside Urgent Care, patients can expect a safe and effective procedure associated with minimal risks of side effects, facilitating swift symptom relief and safe and efficient recovery.

Several variables affect the healing period for an abscess and hematoma following draining. The location and size of the abscess or hematoma can influence the extent of drainage necessary and how quickly a patient will heal.

Additionally, how well the individual responds to the treatment, and several overall health factors play a role in healing as well. Larger and more severe cases would typically be associated with a longer healing period, but typically, it will take anywhere between a few days to several weeks. More significant concerns could take up to a month or more. Generally, a hematoma is associated with a slightly longer timeframe than an abscess.

Certain health factors, such as immune deficiencies and underlying health conditions, can influence how expeditiously the treated area heals. Additionally, patients need to adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by Eastside Urgent Care to facilitate swift healing and improved health outcomes.

When it comes to distinguishing between an abscess and a hematoma, this can be difficult for an individual to do on their own, although there are some distinct symptoms. The abscess will usually appear swollen and red, whereas a hematoma can be discolored in different ways including black, blue, purple, and can also be red.

Both present alongside pain, however, a hematoma is less likely to present alongside other symptoms such as a fever unless it is also accompanied by an infection. In most cases, an abscess is caused by an infection, whereas a hematoma is most commonly caused by trauma or injury.

Providers at Eastside Urgent Care will evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis to determine whether patients have an abscess or a hematoma. They will perform a physical examination of the area and review presenting symptoms and any patterns in which they are exacerbated or triggered.

This will involve a review of the patient’s medical history and discussion about any potential causes, particularly to determine if they had a recent infection or injury that can direct providers towards whether it is an abscess or a hematoma, administering appropriate treatment accordingly.

Incisions and drainage of abscesses and hematomas are available at Eastside Urgent Care. For more information, contact us or book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 872 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, OH 45245. We serve patients from Cincinnati OH, Covedale OH, Delhi OH, St Bernard OH, Wilders KY, and Elmwood Place OH.