An epidermoid cyst is a lump under the surface of the skin. It is essentially a ball with an outer lining made of elements of the overlying skin, and filled with proteinaceous material. Cysts are typically harmless, but occasionally they can grow and become tender or infected. Most people contacting our office to have a cyst removed simply want it removed because they find it unsightly.
The most common way to remove a cyst is by using an incision directly over the lump, then carefully removing the entire cyst ball intact. The advantage of this method is the low risk of the cyst growing back (less than 1% in Dr. Andrade’s hands). However, many other treatments have been used, including laser, steroid injection, and aspiration. Although these treatments may avoid a scar, the risk of recurrence will be higher if the entire cyst lining is not removed.
Removal of a cyst usually takes between 15-30 minutes, depending on its size and location. Dr. Andrade has a fully certified outpatient cosmetic surgery clinic, which is meticulously clean and inviting. The procedure can be done using a local anesthetic (skin freezing). While injecting the anesthetic can be uncomfortable for 30 seconds or so, once the area is numb, the patient will only feel a minor pressure sensation. Depending on the location of the cyst, the sutures might be hidden and dissolving (such as on the face) or exposed and very strong to resist the tightness of the surrounding skin (as on the scalp).
Post-surgery: What to Expect
The risks of this minor surgery procedure include, but are not limited to bleeding/bruising, infection, delayed wound healing, keloid scar, hair loss around the scar, cyst recurrence, allergic reactions, etc. However, these risks are very low, and 99% of patients do not experience these issues.
Why Choose York Plastic Surgery Centre
The advantages of seeking a very experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Andrade to remove a cyst include:
- Meticulous surgery technique honed by removing thousands of skin lesions
- Having the work done in a facility that far exceeds the standards expected of a non-certified office,
- Efficient and kind care both before and after the procedure
- Free follow-up if there are any concerns about the healing process
If you want more information about removing a skin lump, please feel free to call the office. Staff will be pleased to book a cyst removal consult with Dr. Andrade, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon.
Disclaimer: this information is meant for patients of Dr. Andrade and to supplement an in-person consultation. Medical science is constantly changing, so it is not guaranteed to be complete or accurate.
