Cyst Removal

What is a cyst?

Skin cysts are fluid-filled round lumps that form underneath the skin. They are common and mostly harmless. 

Cysts are generally either white or yellow and often have blackheads that can secrete pus. 

Additionally, the size of a cyst ranges heavily but can grow to the length of ten centimetres in diameter, which is about the length of an adult’s middle finger.

Cysts do not usually hurt but can become sore if infected.

Where can cysts grow?

Simply put, cysts can manifest anywhere in the body. 

The most common cysts are epidermoid cysts (pilar cysts) and sebaceous cysts, forming on the skin’s surface. 

However, cysts can develop internally also, for example, dermoid cysts or ovarian cysts, which form in the ovaries, Bartholin cysts, which form inside female genitalia and thyroids cysts that manifest near your oesophagus.

What is a cyst made of?

A capsulated pocket comprises membranous tissue (layers of cells that allow for the flow of materials), which contains fluids (like keratin) and air. 

What is cyst removal?

Cyst removal surgery is incredibly straightforward and usually occurs while you are under a local anaesthetic. 

Upon your arrival, our surgeon performs a diagnosis to identify the type of cyst you have and advises the best treatment. Based on the consultation results, if you qualify for cyst removal surgery, the procedure is as follows: 

Firstly, our expert surgeon will carefully disinfect the operating area around the cyst before using a surgical drape to maintain a sterile environment. 

After which, the surgeon will make a small incision on the cyst to allow it to drain completely.

If you have a more substantial cyst, the surgeon will excise the entire cyst itself.

Depending on the incision size , the surgeon may close the wound with stitching before wrapping it in a compression cloth to prevent any infection.

How long is recovery from a cyst removal?

Despite cyst removal surgeries being outpatient visits, your discharge will be on the same day. 

If you work an office job, you will generally be able to return to work within the next day. Regardless, it would help to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. 

Your surgeon will confirm your wound’s expected recovery time during your consultation. However, your wound should not take longer than two weeks to heal.

You may be subject to follow-up assessments to monitor your recovery. 

Though pain post-surgery is uncommon, your surgeon will recommend what over-the-counter medication is needed to suppress it. 

You must contact your surgeon if any of your pain or inflammation persists after medication.