Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure where the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure (resulting in loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle). Fasciotomy is a limb-saving procedure when used to treat acute compartment syndrome. It is also sometimes used to treat chronic compartment stress syndrome. The procedure has a very high rate of success, with the most common problem being accidental damage to a nearby nerve. Complications can also involve the formation of scar tissue after the operation. A thickening of the surgical scars can result in the loss of mobility of the joint involved. This can be addressed through occupational therapy or physical therapy.

In addition to scar formation, there is a possibility that the surgeon may require a skin graft to close the wound.

Sometimes when closing the fascia again in another surgical procedure, the muscle is still too large to close it completely. A small bulge is visible, but is not harmful.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasciotomy