Cyst usually appear as raised lumps which can vary in size. Most cysts contain fluid or semi-solid material. Cysts are normally benign, completely harmless skin lesions, but because they frequently appear in visible areas, such as the face and neck, many patients decide to have their cysts removed.
Cysts do not usually cause any pain, but if infected they can become inflamed, red and very painful to touch. If your cyst is infected, it’s best to treat the infection with antibiotics and warm compresses prior to any removal procedure. We don’t remove cysts while they’re infected because the surgical site can also become infected and the cyst is more likely to return in the future.
At the consultation, one of our skin specialists will examine your lesion to confirm it is a cyst. They will check that there are no signs of active infection and discuss the best options for removal. Many patients opt to combine the consultation with the procedure, as a ‘see and treat’ or ‘one-stop’ appointment. This means that the cyst will be examined and, if suitable, removed during the same appointment. This can be convenient and cost-effective for patients.
Most cysts are removed by surgical excision. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the skin and the whole cyst, including its ‘sac’, is removed. Failure to remove the sac completely can result in the cyst returning, so we take great care to remove all of it. The surgical incision is usually stitched closed. These stitches may or may not need removed at a follow-up appointment, depending on whether they are dissolvable or not. Your consultant will advise you about this. You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure.
