Concerns About 2-Year-Old's Surgical Site Post-Procedure
My son, who is 2 years old and weighs about 30 pounds, was diagnosed with a cyst on his scalp, which was surgically removed and sent for a biopsy on March 18. Initially, his recovery appeared normal; however, during his nap today, I noticed he had dried blood on his pillow and hair near the surgical site, along with a red and open-looking patch around the incision. I attempted to contact the surgeon for advice, but the office was closed. I decided to leave a message for my son's pediatrician, attaching photos of the affected area and asking for his professional opinion since I couldn't reach the surgeon. I'm currently awaiting a response, feeling a bit anxious about this situation. As this is my first experience with a surgical incision, I find myself uncertain about whether this is a standard aspect of recovery. It's possible he could have inadvertently rubbed off a scab or dislodged a stitch during his sleep. Given that it's nearly two weeks post-surgery, I expected the incision to appear more healed with less bleeding; however, since I lack experience in this area, I'm uncertain about what the healing process should entail. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to be in any discomfort, there is no active bleeding now, and the blood we noticed was minimal, just a few spots on the pillow and some dried traces in his hair. He is scheduled for a follow-up appointment with his surgeon on Tuesday, coinciding with the two-week post-operative check-up, but given how this wound appears, I am worried. Should this situation warrant a visit to urgent care, or is this kind of observation usual for a healing incision?
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 6:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your son’s recovery after surgery, especially with your first experience with a surgical incision. Noticing dried blood and redness around the site two weeks post-procedure can raise concerns, but it’s important to remember that some variations in healing are normal.
Summary of Key Points:
- Some bleeding and redness are not uncommon post-surgery, especially in young children.
- It's reassuring that there is no active bleeding and your son is not in discomfort.
- Monitoring the area and seeking further evaluation at the scheduled follow-up is prudent.
Explanation:
After a surgical procedure, it’s normal for some minor bleeding or crusting to occur as the skin heals. Young children might inadvertently touch or rub their surgical site, potentially causing some irritation. The redness you observe may indicate inflammation, which could be part of the healing process, but it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t signify an infection.
Given that there’s no active bleeding or signs of severe discomfort, you may not need to rush to urgent care. However, if the area becomes increasingly swollen, hot, or if he develops a fever, those would be reasons to seek care sooner.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Site: Keep an eye on the incision. Look for any new symptoms such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus that could suggest inflammation or infection.
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Clean Carefully: Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing. Pat the area dry and keep it lightly covered if needed to protect it from irritation.
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Follow Up Appointments: Attend the scheduled follow-up appointment on Tuesday. This is an excellent opportunity to address your concerns directly with the surgeon who can provide professional advice and potentially assess the healing.
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Watch for Symptoms: If you notice any significant changes in your son’s behavior, increased discomfort, or any signs of complications such as fever or spreading redness, don’t hesitate to seek care before your scheduled appointment.
It’s perfectly okay to feel worried about your child's healing process—many parents share these feelings. If you continue to feel uneasy, you might consider reaching out to a nurse helpline or pediatrician for immediate guidance before your appointment. Your child’s health and comfort are the priority, and these actions can provide peace of mind.
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