C02 Laser/punch for Cyst Removal, or Conventional Excision?

Question

I have a 4mm sebaceous cyst on my face. I understand that this new removal technique will leave a scar of only 1/3 the original cyst size. I am wondering if it is realistic to look for a surgeon who does this technique, or if a normal excision will leave a scar that is much bigger than that. Is this technique widely practiced at this time? What size scar should I expect using conventional methods on a 4mm cyst? Thank you.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

laser resurfacing can not adequately remove the cyst. This can lead to recurrence and more difficult removal later on and also more chance of scarring. Traditional excisional techniques are proven and have a long successful period of usage in the past.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

I vote for conventional surgery. The capsule must be removeded to prevent the cyst from comming back. Your incision does not even have to be the full 4m

Robert Strimling, MD · Answer

Excision is still the best method for cyst removal.  The size of the scar is related to the size of the cyst.  The larger the cyst, the larger the incision needed to remove the cyst.  Often, a very small incision is all that is needed to remove a cyst such as you descrbe.  The smaller entry wound should be sutured for minimally scarring. 

	We have a CO2 laser and I would advise against using it for small skin exicisions as it generates surrounding heat that can cause more scarring than a traditional scalpel.

C02 Laser/punch for Cyst Removal, or Conventional Excision?

Answers (3)