Quick Answer
A properly drained abscess in a healthy patient usually does not recur in the same spot. Recurrence in the same location often means there was an underlying cyst wall that needs to be excised after the infection resolves, or that the abscess wasn't fully drained. Recurrence in a different location often points to staph or MRSA colonization, uncontrolled diabetes, or another underlying factor. We screen for these on the follow-up visit and can start a decolonization protocol when indicated.
This question comes up frequently for patients researching incision & drainage of abscesses at Good Health NC in Knightdale, NC.