Cyst Removal

Say goodbye to unwelcome cysts

Although cysts are benign and therefore harmless skin lesions, they can appear anywhere on both the body and the face, and therefore can be a significant cosmetic issue.

Cysts can be uncomfortable, too. They normally contain trapped skin secretions which, in some circumstances, can become infected. If your cyst is already infected, it’s best to treat the infection with antibiotics and warm compresses. Once the infective episode has fully settled down a plan can be made to remove your cyst. Removing cysts while they are infected is not a good idea as the surgical site can become infected and the cyst is more likely to return in the future.

If you want to say goodbye to an unwanted cyst, you’ll be glad to hear that most can be removed in a single visit.

Are there risks with cyst removal?

The process of removing a cyst is generally very safe and carries very few risks or side effects. Before any treatment is carried out Mr Abood will go through the potential risks and side effects. The most common risk with this type of skin surgery is a small risk of wound infection. This will affect 1 or 2 % of patients who undergo this type of skin surgery, and the treatment is with a course of tablet antibiotics.

The main side-effect is a resulting a scar. Although a scar is inevitable with all types of surgery there are ways in which it can be optimised, giving your scar the best possible chance of fading away. Following all surgery in the clinic you will be given a scar management programme that will aim to optimise your scar outcome.

Some fascinating cyst facts

We’ve spent many years treating cysts at SKINSCAR Clinic. Here’s some of the most fascinating facts about these benign lesions:

• Skin cysts go by a number of different names and include: Epidermoid cyst; Sebaceous cyst; Pilar Cyst.
• Pilar cysts is the name used for cysts on the scalp. These are often multiple and there are frequently other members of the family that have the same issue which means that there are likely to be genetic factors involved.
• Cysts are not preventable and will rarely disappear on their own.
• Cysts are usually entirely harmless but can be a cosmetic concern or cause functional issues.

Can I have cyst removal on the NHS?

Because the majority of cysts are entirely harmless or benign, their removal is no longer routinely funded within the NHS. Most cysts are therefore removed by experts in skin surgery in the private or independent sector.

The procedure

The removal of skin cysts is generally quite a straightforward procedure. The procedure is carried-out as an out-patient appointment and frequently as a ‘see and treat’ or ‘one-stop’ appointment if you wish. This means that the cyst will be examined and if suitable can be removed during the same appointment. You will be left with a small scar following cyst removal. This will generally fade over time and Mr Abood will advise you on the best way to look after the scar which will encourage it to do this.