Cyst Removal: What You Need to Know

Pros

• The surgical procedure can remove many different types of cysts, including a bothersome or cosmetically undesirable cyst.
• Cyst excision is a quick, in-office procedure that's performed with local anesthesia. 
• If it's considered medically necessary, the procedure may be covered by your insurance.

Cons

• Like any surgery, cyst removal leaves a small scar. “You can always use topical 100% medical-grade silicone scar therapy [like Biocorneum] to improve the appearance of a scar,” says Dr. Denis Gonyon, Jr., a plastic surgeon in Johnstown, Colorado.
• If the cyst is inflamed, your doctor may have to delay the surgery or drain the cyst first.
• If the cyst removal is done for cosmetic reasons, the procedure isn’t covered by most health insurance plans.

• Average Cost:
• $1,000

• Range:
• $250 - $10,000

Your cyst removal cost will depend on the cyst type and location, as well as the experience level of your provider, their practice location, and a few other key factors.

See our complete guide to cyst removal costs

Anyone can develop a cyst at any time. Cysts most commonly develop due to a blockage in a duct, an infection, trauma, or genetics. 

The cause of a cyst can often be determined by the type of cyst you have. These are the most common types of cysts that people can develop.

• Epidermoid cysts are freely movable lumps that often feel rubbery. The cysts form under the skin when dead skin cells from the surface move deeper and multiply, forming a sac and secreting a soft, yellowish substance (a form of keratin) that fills the cyst. 
• Sebaceous cysts form inside sebaceous glands, which secrete the oily substance (sebum) that lubricates hair and skin. They’re more likely to appear in oilier areas, like the nape of the neck, the upper back, and the scalp. When normal gland secretions become trapped and build up, they can develop into a pouch. 
• Pilar cysts develop around hair follicles, most frequently on the scalp. Protein buildup in the hair follicles creates a smooth, round bump on the surface of the skin. 
• A blackhead (or punctum, in medical terms) plugs the central opening of sebaceous cysts. Depending on their size, they can be “like one big monster zit,” as Dr. Justin Yovino, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, says in a RealSelf video. 
• Ganglion cysts are typically round and appear around joints and tendons after an injury or trauma. They're usually harmless unless they put pressure on the surrounding area.

If a smaller cyst becomes inflamed, tender, or swollen, your doctor may simply inject it with a steroid or drain it via a small cut and then squeeze out the contents. 

Larger cysts in a prominent place (like your face) or in an area that interferes with clothing can be surgically removed by a dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon. 

An excision procedure is performed in your doctor’s office. First, the area around the cyst is marked and injected with a local anesthetic. If the cyst is in a sensitive area, such as the scrotum, a topical numbing cream can be applied first, explains Dr. Ron Shelton, a dermatologic surgeon in New York City. 

Once you’re numb, your surgeon cuts the area around the cyst with a scalpel or punch (a sharp, hollow, circular cookie-cutter-like instrument).

The surgeon uses their fingers, scissors, or tweezers to free the entire cyst wall from the surrounding skin and completely pull or snip away any remaining attachments. Removing the entire cyst capsule is important, to be sure that the cyst doesn’t return. 

Sometimes a cyst is removed endoscopically, in order to locate the resulting scar in an inconspicuous place. In this case, you’re given mild oral sedation in addition to the local anesthetic. Two small incisions are made, to gain access to the cyst, and a thin surgical instrument tunnels under the skin until it reaches, frees, and removes the cyst capsule.

Afterward, the skin is closed with stitches and covered with Steri-Strips, sterile tape that protects the wound and helps it grow back together. If dissolvable sutures aren’t used, stitches are removed at a follow-up appointment within 7 to 10 days. 

Your surgeon may send the cyst and its contents to a pathologist for biopsy and evaluation, to ensure that it's not cancerous. 

It’s normal for your skin to feel firm after cyst removal. Gentle massage can help, but follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor. Any redness should fade with time. 

RealSelf Tip: If your cyst is in a delicate, challenging location, such as your face, choose an expert with specific training in facial plastic surgery in order to minimize your scar.

Related: All the Skin Conditions You Can Get Treated Via Telemedicine Dermatology

Thanks to the local anesthetic (and sometimes topical numbing cream), cyst removal should be quick and painless. 

If pain is a major concern for you, be sure to let your provider know so that they can tailor their pain management plan according to your needs.

It is not recommended that you attempt to remove cysts at home, for a few reasons. 

The biggest risk of any home remedies for cyst removal is that you may misdiagnose yourself and make the situation worse. Cysts can be mistaken for pimples, ingrown hairs, milia, or even tumors. 

“People often think that cysts are zits and squeeze on them, which can make them bigger and worse—and then they get infected,” says Dr. Yovino.

Minor cysts may go away on their own. To mitigate discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain medications and apply a warm compress to the area to reduce inflammation. 

If the cyst does not go away, consult a doctor so they can walk you through the treatment options available to you.