The average cost of cyst removal is $1,775, but it can range up to $5,000, according to 140 reviews from RealSelf members.
This minor surgical procedure, which removes saclike pockets of fluid or semisolid material, is one of the most commonly performed dermatologic procedures. Read on to learn about the factors that can affect how much you pay, when insurance covers the expense, and whether real patients think cyst removal surgery costs are worth it.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Cyst Removal
Whether your insurance company will cover your cyst removal costs depends on whether the procedure is cosmetic or deemed medically necessary.
“In many cases, the removal of a cyst that’s enlarging or causing other problems will be covered by insurance. If the lesion doesn’t cause any problems, it would be considered cosmetic to remove a skin cyst,” says Dr. Matthew Richardson, a facial plastic surgeon in Frisco, Texas.
Check with your insurance company to see whether your case qualifies for coverage and what medical documentation you'd need to provide. Just keep in mind that if you haven't yet met your deductible, you will still have out-of-pocket costs. You may be able to pay for your procedure through an HSA or FSA.
If you're denied coverage and can't pay up-front, ask your provider if they offer payment plans or accept financing.
Several factors can impact cyst removal costs, including:
There are several different types of cysts, with the most common being sebaceous cysts, pilar cysts, and ganglion cysts. Each cyst type develops in certain areas of the body and requires a slightly different removal approach.
Larger cysts can cost more to have removed, simply because the procedure can take more time. Your provider may need to take more care not to leave a noticeable scar.
If you’re seeking specialized cyst removal in challenging areas—such as the face or wrist—then you will likely pay more for a surgeon who’s skilled in this area.
For example, you may want to have sebaceous cyst removal performed by board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can minimize scarring, even though you'll probably pay more than if you have it removed by a dermatologist.
Any provider who's in high demand for their expertise will be able to charge more for their time. Those with less experience will likely cost less. While they may be perfectly fine for a straightforward procedure, be sure to do your research (including reading patient reviews and checking out patient photos) before committing to a provider.
Areas with a higher cost of living tend to have higher costs for any type of cosmetic procedure, including cyst removal.
If there are many experienced providers in your area who perform cyst removal, some doctor's offices may offer more competitive prices, to draw in patients. The opposite can also be true: if only a few qualified providers perform this procedure in your area, they may be able to charge a premium.
A straightforward cyst removal procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon can administer local anesthesia and oral sedation.
However, some more complex procedures (like ganglion cyst removal) require general anesthesia. This is administered by an anesthesiologist (MD) or a nurse anesthetist, who then monitors your vitals during the procedure. A nurse anesthetist will charge a lower fee than an anesthesiologist, so discuss your options during your initial consultation and ask how much that will increase your cost.
During your consultation, ask for a detailed cost estimate, including the cost of the procedure, anesthesia, a potential biopsy, supplies, and any charge for a follow-up visit (if necessary).
Cyst removal has an impressive 94% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members. Many reviewers say that the removal was quick, and they felt much better afterward. Some note improved mobility and decreased pain in situations where the cyst was impacting their day-to-day lives. Others went so far as to say that the removal was life-changing.
Those few who expressed dissatisfaction said the results were subpar or that their experience with the office staff wasn’t ideal.
Other potential drawbacks include discomfort or bruising at the site that takes several weeks to heal, and small permanent scars.
One of the reasons why cyst removal has such a high Worth It Rating is because there aren’t many other treatment options, aside from leaving the cyst alone. The primary alternative is to get a cortisone injection into the cyst, but this is considered a temporary fix.
“Cortisone helps with the pain, redness, and inflammation that can develop from cysts, but it does not 'cure' a patient of the cyst," explains Dr. Nelson Castillo, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia, in a RealSelf Q&A. "In most cases, cysts need surgical excision to remove the full 'wall' of the cyst to prevent recurrence."
Some people are tempted to pop sebaceous cysts like a pimple, but this can lead to scarring and isn't a long-term solution.
Even though most cysts are benign, they can still cause pain and discomfort or even impact your self-confidence. If a cyst is bothering you, schedule a consultation with a trusted dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who can discuss your removal options and whether or not the cost for the procedure is likely to be worth it for your particular situation.