Cyst Removal

Sebaceous cysts are benign skin growths that develop from the oil glands in the skin. They are most common on the face, back, and scalp, and can occur at any age but are more common in adolescents and young adults. Although harmless, cysts can sometimes enlarge, or become red, hot and painful if infected.

Sebaceous cysts can usually be diagnosed by your Dermatologist based on their appearance alone. Cyst removal is also a common procedure done in our clinic, for patients concerned about the appearance, or symptoms associated with their cysts.

Surgical Cyst Removal

Minimal excision technique - instead of simply squeezing out or draining the contents of the cyst, we use this excision method which results in a very low rate of recurrence. This is because the entire cyst wall and cyst contents are removed, minimising the risk of the cyst coming back. Following numbing injection to the treatment area, a small cut is made on the surface of the skin to remove the much larger cyst below. The resulting scar is usually small and cosmetically pleasing.

If a cyst becomes infected, it can become red, painful and swollen. An infected cyst is usually first treated with oral antibiotics, steroid injections or drainage. We aim for complete cyst removal to prevent it from recurring, although that remains a small risk.