Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery at Swedish Hospital
Swedish Hospital offers a variety of skin and soft tissue surgeries, including the removal of lumps, biopsies and drainage of abscesses.
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-878-6888.
General Questions About Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery
What are Common Skin and Soft Tissue Surgeries?
Some common types of skin and soft tissue surgery include:
- Removal of lumps such as cysts or lipomas
- Biopsy or removal of skin lesions
- Drainage of abscesses
Skin and soft tissue surgeries also include removing more complex lesions such as pilonidal cysts and hidradenitis (see more info below).
Are Skin and Soft Tissue Surgeries Elective and Cosmetic?
Skin and soft tissue surgery is elective surgery, meaning they are planned.
These types of surgeries can be cosmetic, but they are not always. When performed for reasons of lump/lesion growth or pain or infection, they are considered non-cosmetic.
Who Performs Skin and Soft Tissue Surgeries?
General surgeons can perform most skin and soft tissue surgeries. If the procedure requires a more complex technique, such as a flap or reconstruction, they may refer you to a plastic surgeon.
What to Expect From the Procedure and Recovery
Is Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery an Outpatient Procedure?
Skin and soft tissue surgery is an outpatient procedure. The majority are performed in the outpatient surgery center. Some procedures such as drainage of an abscess and skin punch biopsies can often be performed in-office.
What Does Recovery Look Like for Soft Tissue Surgeries?
The skin typically seals itself within the first two weeks, but the complete healing process can take six weeks or more.
You may resume normal activities after skin and soft tissue surgery and shower the day after the procedure; however, you should not soak underwater in a tub or pool for a month to prevent infection.
Specific Skin and Soft Tissue Conditions
What is a Soft Tissue Mass? How are They Removed?
The term soft tissue mass refers to any abnormal lump that you can feel under the skin.
Soft tissue masses are typically removed in their entirety by a surgeon. They are then sent to pathology for analysis to confirm what the mass is.
What is a Cyst?
A cyst is a fluid filled sac that typically feels like a rubbery lump under the skin. It can fluctuate in size or occasionally become infected. It can be located anywhere on the body, including on the scalp.
What is a Pilonidal Cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is specifically located on the tailbone. It contains ingrown hair and debris and frequently becomes infected.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a ball of fatty tissue that grows separately from the surrounding fat. It typically feels like a soft spongy lump under the skin.
What is an Abscess?
An abscess is an infection under the skin that forms a pocket of pus that needs to be drained out. The skin on top is typically red and swollen and quite tender.
What is Hidradenitis?
Hidradenitis is a chronic skin inflammation that can present as lumps or recurrent infections in the underarms or groins.
The affected areas can be surgically removed; however, if the areas of hidradenitis are very extensive, then you may be referred to a dermatologist for medical treatment to get it under control before surgery.
Contact Us
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-878-6888.
