Cyst or lump after upper eyelid surgery. Can this be easily removed? (Photo)

Question

I had eye lid surgery 9 months ago and I have a large lump on the scar. Can this be easily removed.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

It looks like a sebaceous cyst.  These are easily removed with local anesthesia.  Should heal well.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to develop small cystic lesions on the upper eyelid incision line.   In my experience, these can typically be managed quite easily in the office setting. In fact, they can sometimes be managed without even local anesthetic. The procedure typically involves "unroofing" or opening of the cyst and removal of the cystic material that has built up.  Most of the time it resolves if left to heal on its own after the procedure without any further suturing.   If the cyst is long-standing, a small capsule may develop around it which also has to be removed. This is also done quite easily.  Discuss this with your surgeon.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest a blocked oil gland, or a whitehead.  These often appear in the oily eyelid skin, and can be commonly seen around eyelid incisions.  The treatment for this is a simple unroofing of the whitehead and releasing its contents.  This is typically done in the office, with no or a tiny droplet of local anesthetic.  Contact your surgeon; this is a straightforward issue to address.  Good luck!

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi kcsulkis. Small cysts can sometimes be seen after eyelid surgery. They typically occur near the incision line.  They can usually be easily removed. I recommend follow up with your surgeon to discuss removal. Hope this helps. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

C.W. David Chang, MD · Answer

It appears that you may have an inclusion cyst or milia, which is not uncommon. This occurs as skin cells inadvertently are buried by the suturing process, which is why it is on the incision line. This can be treated simply by completely unroofing the cyst, allowing the contents to empty. This can be done fairly easily in the office. It might take one or a few treatments. See your original surgeon.

Cyst or lump after upper eyelid surgery. Can this be easily removed? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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