An Incision and Drainage (I+D) procedure takes place when a patient has an infected cyst or an abscess that needs to be treated.
The surrounding area around the site will first be treated with local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort.
Next, your provider will make an incision into the site and begin draining the fluid. After the site is emptied out, your surgeon will pack the wound to encourage faster healing
Lastly, the site will be bandaged up and you will be given instructions on care moving forward.
Infected cysts and abscesses can be uncomfortable or even painful,
If left untreated these lesions can become even more infected and create a larger health risk down the line.
Getting an infected cyst or an abscess taken care of by a health professional is always a smarter and safer choice than trying to take care of it on your own.
Before incision, your provider will numb the site with a local anesthetic for your comfort.
During incision, your provider will gently cut open the cyst or abscess and drain the fluid. Oftentimes, the provider will pack the remaining defect with gauze to encourage wound healing.
After the incision and drainage, a bandage will be placed on the site.
Leave the original bandage on for 24 hours after your procedure, and after the first 24 hours, remove and clean with gentle soap and water 1-2 times a day. Each time you replace your bandage, include some antibiotic ointment.
Pain and swelling can be reduced by elevation when and where possible. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe to take when used as directed.
If symptoms don’t seem to be improving or they’re getting worse, call us. A follow-up appointment may be recommended if your wound hasn’t noticeably improved within a few days.
Everyone’s skin is different, so your skincare plan should be too.
Book a consultation with our licensed professionals and let us help you build the perfect treatment plan for your skin.
To see if
is the right fit for you, schedule an appointment now.
