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"Did You Have A Bump At The Top Of Your Incision?" Asks Alice

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: August 1, 2025

Alice just sent me a great question about incision and scar care after heart valve surgery.

She writes, "Adam, I am 55 and had open heart surgery to replace my valve about three weeks ago. Most of my scar looks OK, flat and thin. My concern is the top of the scar -- around and above the top of the incision is a big protruding lump. It is soft, not hard, and is not sore. Did this happen to you? Thanks, Alice"

Bump at top of incision after heart valve surgery

Alice's question just brought back a distinct memory from my early recovery. Like Alice, I also had a bump at the top of my incision. It wasn't very noticeable but I questioned Dr. Starnes, my surgeon, about the bump during my surgical follow-up.

Dr. Starnes assured me that the bump was completely normal and that the swelling would go down. As you can see in the picture above, there is a raised bump at the top of the patient's scar.

Well, Dr. Starnes was right. In a few weeks, the swelling went down and then... disappeared. Now, you can barely even tell I had open heart surgery.

Patient showing faded sternotomy scar at beach

I hope this helps Alice (and perhaps you) learn more about incision healing - especially bumps at the top of the scar.

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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