Abscess Drainage
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Professional Abscess Drainage & Treatment
Abscess drainage requires proper medical technique to prevent complications and ensure complete healing. We provide professional incision and drainage procedures with appropriate wound care and follow-up instructions. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm.
When to Seek Abscess Treatment
- Painful, swollen lump under the skin
- Red, warm area that's tender to touch
- Visible pus or fluid-filled center
- Fever or chills accompanying the abscess
- Abscess larger than 1 inch in diameter
- Rapidly growing or spreading redness
- Abscess in a sensitive area (face, groin, near joints)
- Previous abscess that has returned
- Diabetes or weakened immune system
- Abscess not improving with home care after 2-3 days
Our Abscess Drainage Procedure
Our medical providers perform abscess drainage using sterile technique and local anesthesia for patient comfort. We ensure complete drainage, proper wound packing when needed, and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Our physician-led approach emphasizes infection control and optimal healing outcomes.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery & Wound Care
Most patients experience immediate pain relief after drainage. Keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings as instructed (typically daily), and watch for signs of infection. If packing was placed, return in 24-48 hours for removal and wound check. Most abscesses heal completely within 1-2 weeks with proper care. Seek immediate care if you develop fever, increasing redness, severe pain, or red streaks extending from the wound. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For urgent but non-emergency conditions, visit True Compassion Urgent Care at either our Palm Beach Gardens or Stuart location. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Available at Both Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. However, calling ahead can help us prepare for your arrival.
We use local anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure, which significantly reduces discomfort. You may feel pressure during drainage, but most patients report immediate pain relief once the abscess is drained. The initial injection of anesthetic causes brief stinging, but this quickly subsides.
Not all abscesses require antibiotics. Our medical providers will assess factors like abscess size, location, signs of spreading infection, and your overall health. If antibiotics are needed, we'll send the prescription electronically to your pharmacy. According to medical guidelines, simple abscesses often heal with drainage alone.
The actual drainage procedure typically takes 10-20 minutes, though your total visit time will be longer to include evaluation, preparation, and post-procedure instructions. We ensure thorough care rather than rushing through the process.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of current medications. If you have diabetes or take blood thinners, this information is particularly important for your safety during the procedure.
Seek emergency care for abscesses on the face (especially near eyes or nose), signs of severe infection (high fever, confusion, rapid heartbeat), abscesses larger than 2 inches, or if you have a compromised immune system. For most other abscesses, urgent care is appropriate and more convenient.
Yes, if wound packing was placed, you'll need to return in 24-48 hours for packing removal and wound assessment. Even without packing, we typically recommend a follow-up visit in 3-5 days to ensure proper healing. We'll provide specific instructions based on your individual case.
You can typically shower 24 hours after the procedure, but keep the wound covered with a waterproof dressing. Avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools until the wound is fully healed. We'll provide specific wound care instructions tailored to your situation.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this information for emergency medical treatment.
No physician-patient relationship is created by viewing this content. This information does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Ready to Get Care?
Walk-ins welcome at both locations. Open daily 8am-8pm.