Abscesses
What it is
An abscess is a collection of infection that forms in the skin or soft tissue. It is often painful, warm, swollen and firm or fluid-filled.
An abscess frequently needs to be drained. Antibiotics alone may not resolve a collection that has already formed.
Common reasons to seek assessment
- A painful, swollen, warm lump has developed
- The area is increasingly tender or has started to discharge
- A previously treated abscess has returned in the same area
- You have been referred for drainage or for surgical assessment
How it is assessed at Sereva
Dr. Maggisano examines the area to determine whether a drainable collection is present and whether treatment in the office is appropriate.
Your symptoms, general health and any spread of infection are taken into account, as these influence where treatment should take place.
Treatment options that may be available
- Incision and drainage of appropriate abscesses under local anaesthetic
- Wound packing or dressing where it is required, with instructions for ongoing care
- Assessment for any underlying cause where an abscess has recurred in the same area
- Direction to urgent, emergency or hospital-based care where that is what your situation requires
Which of these applies to you — if any — depends on your individual assessment.
What to expect during treatment
Where office-based drainage is appropriate, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic and the collection is drained.
The wound is often left open to continue draining and to heal gradually, rather than being closed immediately.
You are shown how to care for the wound and given written instructions before you leave.
Recovery and follow-up
Healing is gradual as the wound closes from the inside, and the time this takes varies with the size and site of the abscess.
You receive dressing-change guidance, advice on what to watch for, and follow-up arrangements.
Where an abscess has recurred, further assessment of the underlying cause may be recommended.
Suitability, fees & OHIP coverage
Whether treatment is appropriate, and whether it is covered by OHIP, depends on your diagnosis and on the recommended treatment. Some procedures are insured when they are medically indicated, while many removals performed for benign or appearance-related reasons are uninsured. Where a fee applies, it is explained to you before anything proceeds, so you can decide how you would like to continue.
Contact us
Assessment with Dr. Maggisano is the first step in understanding your options. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an individualized surgical assessment. Only an in-person consultation can determine what is appropriate for you.