Forehead cyst - Can it be removed without scarring? (photos)

Question

I have a cyst in the forehead for about 4.5 years. A Plastic surgeon said that, only by surgery and the scar will be larger than the cyst, so not sure I want to do it. The dermatologist said he can remove it with an electric needle. My questions is both for dermatologists and plastic surgeons: Could this cyst be removed without scarring using an electric needle or it is a waste of time? Also doesn't it look too deep to use an electric needle for that? Size of it about 3mm

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Just based on your photos, it is possible the mass on your forehead is a mole and not a cyst.  An examination of you would be helpful to determine which it might be.  If it is a raised mole, it may be possible to remove it by shaving off the top of it without having to use sutures.  If it is a cyst and is deeper, then it most likely would need to be removed by excising it.  The location of the mass is relatively good, because in the ideal situation, the scar would look just like a thin forehead line and blend in with the existing lines that you have.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If this is indeed an epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst, then for a small one like this a mimimal excision technique can be easily used. Following numbing with a local anesthetic a very small incision is made made over the top of the cyst, the contents then are completely expressed, a probe inserted to pull out the sac and the area can be closed with one of two very fine sutures (or frequently no sutures), covered with a pressure dressing and then voila cyst gone and no larger-than-cyst surgical scar to worry about. This has been my treatment of choice for treating cysts like this on the face and elsewhere for decades and with very gratifying results. You would be wise to make sure to be consulting with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Forehead cyst - Can it be removed without scarring? (photos)

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Forehead cyst - Can it be removed without scarring? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Cyst Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.