The removal or excision of a sebaceous cyst is a common in-office procedure that your skin specialist can perform.
What Is a Cyst?
A cyst forms as a sac in the body, appearing in bones, organs, or tissues. When cysts form in the skin, they create a pocket filled with skin cells, bacteria, and/or pus. Cysts can vary dramatically in size and may appear anywhere on the body. As time passes, more skin cells become trapped in the cyst, causing it to grow larger.
Think of the skin like a flat balloon. If the balloon has something inside (like skin cells) to push out, it naturally pushes it out through the opening. If something plugs that opening, the cells are trapped inside the balloon. The balloon becomes a pocket for these cells that can’t leave.
Symptoms
A cyst feels like a little knot underneath the skin. It may begin as an ingrown hair or acne pore that becomes infected. The cyst may become large enough to drain the decayed skin cells, and may have an odor.
Types of Cysts
Although there are many types of cysts, there are three common types of cysts in the skin: Pilar Cysts, Sebaceous Cysts, and Digital Mucous Cysts Each have different characteristics and occur in different parts of the body. It’s important to have a general understanding of cysts and, if you notice one developing, have it assessed properly by a skin specialist.
Cyst removal
A skin surgeon can remove these types of cysts as an in-office procedure.
Lancing a Cyst
To lance an infected cyst, the doctor uses a sharp knife to create an opening to squeeze and drain its contents. YouTube often features this procedure on cyst-popping videos. However, lancing isn’t usually the most effective method for permanent removal. Lancing removes most of the cyst’s contents, allowing for the application of a topical treatment to address the infection. The cyst wall lining isn’t removed. Therefore, the cyst may reform and excision be required once the infection has resolved.
Excising a Cyst
When a sebaceous cyst is intact, an excision is typically the best removal procedure. In this case, it’s important to remove the sack around the contents.
During a sebaceous cyst removal, the doctor will mark and numb the area around the bump. You’ll get a few Lidocaine injections that may slightly sting, but that’s the worst part. An incision is made around the cyst to remove the entire cyst wall and contents. The area is stitched to promote healing and minimize scarring.
It should take no longer than 30-60 minutes to remove most cysts.
Should You Remove Cysts at Home?
At-home cyst removals do not work. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing home remedies for treating cysts. Do NOT try them. When people mash and lance their cysts, trying to squeeze out the inside, the cysts will just return.
Remember, a cyst is a pocket in your skin lined with cells. The skin will continue to produce cells and refill the pocket as long as the pocket is there. You’re not treating the problem by squeezing the cyst. The pocket needs to be removed.
Additionally, if you try these DIY cyst-removal strategies, you can make the problem worse and increase the likelihood of infection and scarring.
Read Don’t think about lancing a cyst at home.
What To Expect After a Cyst Removal
Your post-treatment options depend on what type of cyst removal your doctor used.
If you had a cyst lanced, the wound will continue to drain after the procedure. Then, it will begin to heal from the inside out. There’s a higher risk the cyst might reform if the doctor was not able to completely remove the cyst wall.
If you had a cyst excised, you’ll have stitches to minimize scarring. Patients may experience tenderness and mild pain after an excision, easily managed with over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol.
Does Insurance Cover Cyst Removal?
Insurance usually covers cyst removals since a cyst removal is a medical procedure (not cosmetic). Exact cyst removal costs depend on your insurance and whether you’ve met your deductible. Remember, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket if you haven’t met your deductible. There are no added hospital fees if the procedure is done in-office.
If you suspect a cyst, have a specialist assess it to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Additional information on cysts: What to expect with a cyst excision, When does a cyst require removal, and What to know about sebaceous cysts
