What are the differences between subcutaneous fat and an abscess? Can an abscess be surgically incised?

เปรียบ เทียบ	Lipoma (fatty lump)	Abscess
The feeling when touched.	Soft and flexible Like an eraser or a grain of tapioca, it leaves a slight indentation when pressed. It can be moved back and forth.	Stiff, tight, and firm. Like a balloon filled with water until it's tightly packed, it's harder to move.
Pain	It doesn't hurt. (Except for masses that are very large and press on a nerve.)	It hurts so much. The pain is throbbing, and it gets worse when I touch it.
Color and heat	Normal skin color, no heat.	skin Swelling and redness Clearly visible, and felt to the touch. Warm or hot More than other areas of the skin.
Growth rate	Growing very slowly. (Some people's size remains the same for 10 years.)	It's growing very fast. (Within 1-3 days, the lump will grow larger and become noticeably swollen.)
What's inside	fatty tissue mass	pus (Remnants of bacteria and dead white blood cells)
The need for treatment.	(Surgical removal is performed if cosmetic concerns are present.)	Immediate treatment is required. To prevent the infection from spreading into the bloodstream.
Treatment methods	Surgical removal of fatty deposits (Excision)	Take antibiotics, or... Incision and Drainage

A mysterious lump? Check to be sure whether it's a "beef lump" or an "abscess."

Many times, patients consult doctors out of concern about lumps appearing on their bodies. In reality... Lipoma (fatty lump) and Abscess The differences are quite clear; if we observe carefully, it's not difficult to distinguish them.

• How does it feel to the touch?
  • Fatty lump: You'll feel it when you touch it. Soft, flexible, and slightly movable. It feels like there are tapioca pearls or lumps of rubber under the skin. More importantly, "It usually doesn't hurt." Unless it's pressing on a nerve.
  • abscess: You'll feel it when you touch it. Stiff, tense, and painful. The skin in that area will... "Swollen, red, and hot." It's worse than other spots because it's caused by a bacterial infection leading to the accumulation of pus.
• Growth rate
  • Fatty lump: They grow very slowly; in some people, they've had them for years with almost no change in size.
  • abscess: It's growing very fast. Within a few days (1-3 days), it will start to swell and become increasingly painful.

Can an abscess be surgically removed? What is the process to ensure a complete recovery and a clean scar?

A frequently asked question from patients is, "Can an abscess be surgically removed?" Let me explain: Abscesses can be surgically incised, and this is necessary in some cases. But the procedure is different from surgically removing a fatty tumor.

1. Incision and Drainage
   If the abscess doesn't burst on its own, or is too large, the doctor needs to... "To incise and drain the pus." Yes, because antibiotics may not reach the pus cavity, draining the pus can immediately reduce pain and prevent further spread.
2. In cases where the abscess is caused by an inflamed cyst.
   Sometimes abscesses are caused by inflamed cysts under the skin. In this case, simply draining the pus is sufficient. "The cyst is still there." There is a chance of recurrence. Therefore, in terms of cosmetic treatment, once the inflammation subsides, the doctor may recommend a follow-up appointment. Surgical removal of the sac (Excision) Later, to prevent recurrence and to manage the scar as small and smooth as possible.