HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Lumps Around The Incision Site Post Neck Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 9 Mar 2017

Question: About two weeks ago I had an incision made along my neck line to remove a cyst. The plastic surgeon used dissolvable internal stitches. However, now my body seems to be reacting to them by forming lumps along the stiches and the entire 1 inch long incision is rather reddish. Any remedies to reduce my body's inflammation response?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
as explained in details.

Detailed Answer:
hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Male/53 - incision to remove a cyst on neck 2 weeks ago - dissolvable internal stitches - body seems to be reacting - lumps along the stitches and entire one inch long incision is reddish - Surgeon suggested applying silicon strips - and be patient as the swelling should go away - wants to know what to do...
Since it is only 2 weeks since the surgery has been done, it is difficult to predict the outcome.
Yet, you can certainly apply silicon strips, take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, anti-allergic Cetirizine or anything that suits you.
Oral steroid for a short course of a few days, may be needed.
Yes, it is known for the dissolvable stitches to cause local reaction, but usually stops after a while and settles over time as the body absorbs the stitches.

I hope, this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (40 minutes later)

Would a topical anti inflammatory cream be helpful? I have triamcinolone acetonide cream 0.1%

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
not so early.

Detailed Answer:
Since the wound/ scar is only 2 weeks old, better to avoid as the healing process is still going on. Scar tissue stabilizes by 6 weeks. It is important to discuss with your Plastic Surgeon and go ahead with anything only after discussion with him/ her.
You may take anti- oxidants in the form of multivitamins, they do help in development of better scars.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (31 hours later)

Ok he suggested applying silicone strips at least 12 hours a day (overnight) to help accelerate healing.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue

Detailed Answer:
Great- please continue.
Also take multivitamins, they help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (39 hours later)

Here is an update. I am taking multi vitamins including B complex and a separate turmeric supplement as well to help w inflammation. I've been applying the silicone strips during week 3 now. I wear about 18 hours a day and clean st twice daily before reusing.

I am finding one end of the incision line where my body clearly has been over reacting to the internal dissolvable PDS stitches. Pus spots have appeared in two places which I have been expressing when present. This morning the area expressed a good deal plus some blood. It actually helped reduce the discomfort to express the pus. I assume this is just my body's way of dealing w the foreign object

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As detailed. Please post photos

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
If the pus is there, you need to have prescription based antibiotic since the wound is on the neck.
No silicone dressing at the moment and apply liquid povidone iodine locally and a sterile gauze dressing to be change twice a day.
Please post the clear and focused photographs of the would without cleaning or expressing out the pus and after cleaning, as this helps a lot for on-the-spot diagnosis.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy