How long does it take for a hematoma lump to go away?

While often confused with a simple bruise, a hematoma involves a deeper collection of blood and can take significantly longer to resolve. Understanding the healing stages of a hematoma is crucial for managing your expectations and recognizing when a more serious issue may be present.

Quick Summary

The time it takes for a hematoma lump to go away varies widely, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on its size, location, and the individual's overall health. A superficial hematoma may resolve faster than a deep one, and the body will gradually reabsorb the pooled blood, causing the lump to shrink and change color over time.

Key Points

• Duration Varies Widely: Superficial hematomas may take weeks, while larger or deeper ones can persist for months.

• Location and Size Matter: The time it takes for a hematoma to go away depends heavily on its size and where it's located on the body.

• Healing Includes Color Changes: As your body reabsorbs the pooled blood, the lump will change color from red/purple to green/yellow before fading completely.

• Home Care Can Help: Using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help manage swelling and discomfort in the early stages of a superficial hematoma.

• Watch for Warning Signs: Seek medical help if a hematoma grows rapidly, is extremely painful, occurs after a head injury, or shows signs of infection.

• Patience is Key: The body naturally breaks down the clotted blood over time. Avoid activities that could cause further injury to the area.

What is a Hematoma?

First, it's important to clarify the difference between a hematoma and a bruise. A bruise, or contusion, results from damage to small capillaries just under the skin's surface. In contrast, a hematoma is a larger, more concentrated collection of blood from a damaged blood vessel, which can form a noticeable, firm lump beneath the skin. This pooled blood clots and is then slowly reabsorbed by the body over time. The size and location of this blood pocket are the primary factors influencing its healing timeline.

Factors Influencing Healing Time

The duration of a hematoma's healing is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors play a significant role in how quickly the lump will disappear:

• Size and Depth: A small, superficial hematoma, located closer to the skin's surface, will generally heal much faster than a large, deep intramuscular hematoma. The body has a more challenging task breaking down a larger volume of blood.
• Location: Hematomas in different parts of the body heal at different rates. Those in areas with good blood circulation tend to resolve more quickly. Head hematomas, particularly intracranial ones, are especially dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
• Underlying Health: A person's overall health can affect their healing process. Certain medical conditions, like bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia) or liver disease, can significantly impact blood clotting and prolong recovery.
• Age: Older individuals may find that their hematomas take longer to resolve due to less resilient skin and slower metabolic processes.
• Medications: Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) can increase the risk of more severe hematomas and may slow down the body's natural clotting and healing.

The Healing Timeline and Stages

The healing of a hematoma is a gradual process marked by a series of color changes, similar to a bruise, as the body metabolizes the pooled blood.

1. Initial Stage (Reddish-Purple): Immediately after the injury, the area may appear reddish due to fresh blood leaking from the damaged vessel. Swelling and pain are most pronounced during the first 24-48 hours.
2. Intermediate Stage (Bluish-Purple to Green): Within a few days, the blood begins to break down. The hemoglobin changes, causing the lump to turn a bluish-purple or even black.
3. Later Stage (Yellowish-Brown): As the body continues to reabsorb the blood, the hematoma may transition to a green or yellowish-brown color, typically around 5-10 days after the initial injury.
4. Final Stage (Fading): Over the course of weeks to months, the color will fade until the area returns to its normal skin tone and the lump completely disappears.

How to Speed Up Recovery

While the body does most of the work, some at-home care can help reduce swelling and discomfort, potentially speeding up the process for superficial hematomas.

R.I.C.E. Method:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity that could aggravate the injury.
• Ice: Apply a cold compress wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression: A light elastic bandage can provide gentle pressure, though it should not be wrapped too tightly.
• Elevation: Elevating the injured area above the heart level can help reduce blood pooling and swelling.

Other Remedies:

• Warm Compress: After the initial 48 hours, applying a warm compress can increase blood flow to the area, assisting the body's reabsorption process.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen is generally a safer choice for pain relief. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can thin the blood and potentially worsen the bleeding.
• Arnica: Some people find topical arnica gels helpful for reducing inflammation, though its effectiveness is not universally proven.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most hematomas are benign, certain signs warrant a trip to the doctor or emergency room. These include:

• Signs of infection (increased pain, warmth, redness, pus, or fever).
• The hematoma is unusually large, growing rapidly, or causing significant pressure.
• It appears after a severe head injury and is accompanied by symptoms like headache, confusion, or changes in consciousness.
• The lump is very hard, does not show signs of healing, or lasts longer than four weeks.
• Numbness, tingling, or impaired function in the affected area.

Hematoma vs. Bruise vs. Seroma: A Comparison

To further clarify, here is a comparison of three common types of post-injury lumps. This table highlights their key differences in cause, feel, and healing.

Feature	Hematoma	Bruise (Contusion)	Seroma
Cause	Deeper, larger blood vessel damage	Small capillary damage near surface	Fluid (serous fluid) collection after surgery
Feel	Firm, lumpy, and often painful	Flat, discolored area	Soft, fluid-filled pocket
Appearance	Raised, often dark red/purple/blue lump	Flat area of discoloration	Localized swelling
Healing Time	Weeks to months, depending on size/location	Typically 1-2 weeks	Weeks to months, sometimes drained
Concern Level	Moderate to high, depending on location and size	Low, usually self-resolving	Low to moderate, depending on size and symptoms

The Role of Rest and Patience in Healing

The human body is remarkably good at healing itself, and in most cases, a hematoma is no exception. Allowing your body the necessary time and avoiding further injury to the area is the most crucial step. The patience required can be frustrating, especially with a persistent lump, but rushing the process or engaging in activities that put the area at risk can cause setbacks. Following the RICE method for superficial hematomas and seeking professional medical advice for more severe cases ensures the best possible outcome.

Conclusion: Managing a Hematoma with Care

Ultimately, how long does it take for a hematoma lump to go away? The answer depends on its characteristics and how you manage it. While superficial hematomas may resolve in a few weeks, larger or deeper ones can take several months. The key is to be patient, manage discomfort with appropriate home care, and most importantly, be vigilant for any signs that could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is always the safest course of action, especially if you have concerns. For more general health information, visit the Cleveland Clinic.

References

• Cleveland Clinic. Breast Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Published October 3, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• Mya Care. WHEN DOES A HEMATOMA NEED TO BE DRAINED?. Published July 30, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• Cleveland Clinic. Hematoma Definition, Types & Treatment. Published November 14, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• MedicineNet. Why Is a Hematoma Worse Than a Bruise?. Published January 29, 2025. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation. What You Should Know About Hematomas. Published October 20, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• Healthgrades. Hematoma: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatments, and More. Published August 18, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
• Cleveland Clinic. Hematoma Definition, Types & Treatment. Published November 14, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a hematoma lump become permanent?

While most hematomas resolve completely, large or persistent ones may sometimes leave behind a small area of hard, scarred tissue. In rare cases, the body may form a cyst around the fluid, which might require medical intervention to drain.

What's the difference between a hematoma and a blood clot in a vein?

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, typically caused by an injury. A blood clot in a vein (such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT) is an internal clot that forms inside a blood vessel. It's important not to confuse the two, as a DVT can be a serious medical emergency.

Is it safe to massage a hematoma to make it go away faster?

It is generally not recommended to massage a fresh hematoma. In the initial stages, this can disrupt the blood vessels and cause more bleeding. Once the swelling has gone down (after the first 48 hours), gentle massage might help promote circulation, but it's best to consult a doctor first, especially for deeper hematomas.

How can I tell if my hematoma is getting better?

You can tell a hematoma is healing by observing a decrease in pain and swelling and a change in color. The lump will also begin to feel softer and smaller as the body reabsorbs the blood. The final stage is a yellowish-brown tint before the skin returns to normal.

When should I start applying heat to a hematoma?

After the first 48 hours of initial injury, you can switch from a cold compress to a warm one. Heat helps increase blood flow to the area, which can aid in breaking down the remaining clotted blood and speed up the healing process.

Can a hematoma get infected?

Yes, although less common, a hematoma can become infected if bacteria get into the site. Signs of an infected hematoma include increased pain, warmth, redness, pus draining from the area, and fever. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Does my diet affect the healing of a hematoma?

A balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K can support the body's natural healing processes. Vitamin C helps with collagen production, while vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can aid in a healthy recovery.