If the situation is not an emergency but the abscess still needs to be drained, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic around the site to relieve pain. He or she may also administer a sedative if the patient is very distressed. Aspiration of pus using a needle can drain the affected area. Alternatively, the doctor may make a small incision in the abscess, using a scalpel. This will allow the pus to drain and reduce the swelling.

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