Sebaceous cyst Removal Treatment
Sebaceous cyst surgery is a medical procedure designed to remove non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps known as sebaceous cysts that develop under the skin. During the surgery, a skilled dermatologist makes a small incision to drain the cyst and remove its capsule to prevent it from recurring.
This procedure is typically performed for cosmetic reasons or when the cyst causes discomfort or becomes infected. Sebaceous cyst surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure, offering a safe and effective solution to address these unwanted skin growths.
Blocked Hair Follicles: When hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, a cyst may form.
Trauma or Injury: Physical damage to the skin, such as cuts, punctures, or surgical scars, can cause sebaceous glands to become blocked and result in cysts.
Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop sebaceous cysts, often experiencing multiple cysts throughout their lives.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can contribute to the overproduction of sebum, leading to clogged pores and the formation of cysts.
Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as acne or hidradenitis suppurativa, can increase the likelihood of sebaceous cysts.
Visible Lump: The most noticeable symptom is a small, round, firm lump under the skin, typically on the face, neck, back, or scalp. The cyst may feel soft or rubbery to the touch.
Size Change: Over time, the cyst may grow in size. It can range from a small pea-sized lump to several centimeters in diameter.
Pain or Tenderness: If the cyst becomes inflamed or infected, it can become painful or tender to the touch. This may cause discomfort, especially if the cyst is located in a sensitive area.
Redness or Swelling: When infected, the area around the cyst may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
Discharge or Pus: Infected sebaceous cysts may rupture, releasing a foul-smelling, thick, and yellowish or creamy substance (pus). This discharge may be accompanied by an increase in pain and inflammation.
Fever: If the cyst becomes severely infected, a person may develop a fever as part of the body’s response to infection.
Relief from Discomfort: Removing a sebaceous cyst eliminates the pain or tenderness that may be caused by the cyst, especially if it has become inflamed or infected.
Prevention of Recurrence: Surgical removal, which includes excising the cyst’s capsule, ensures that the cyst does not return in the same location, providing a long-term solution.
Improved Appearance: For cosmetic reasons, removing a sebaceous cyst can enhance the skin’s appearance, particularly when the cyst is located in visible areas like the face or neck.
Avoidance of Infection: If a cyst becomes infected, it can lead to complications like abscess formation. Removing the cyst reduces the risk of infection and further complications.
Faster Healing: Once removed, the cyst will no longer grow or cause inflammation, allowing for quicker healing and reducing the chance of ongoing discomfort.
Minimization of Scarring: While there may be a small scar after removal, it typically fades over time. The surgical procedure is relatively simple, minimizing the chances of noticeable scarring if proper post-operative care is followed.
Frequently Ask Question
A sebaceous cyst is a small, slow-growing bump beneath the skin that forms when the sebaceous gland, which produces oil for the skin, becomes blocked. The cyst is filled with a thick, yellowish substance called sebum. These cysts are typically benign, but they can become painful if infected or inflamed.
Sebaceous cyst removal is typically performed through a minor surgical procedure. The general steps include:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the skin over the cyst.
- Drainage: The cyst is gently squeezed to drain its contents, or the entire cyst sac may be removed.
- Closure: The incision is closed with stitches (if necessary), and a bandage is applied.
In some cases, especially for smaller cysts, the procedure may be done in-office with minimal recovery time.
Most patients experience minimal pain during the procedure because of the local anesthesia applied to numb the area. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or tenderness around the incision site, but these symptoms are typically temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
While sebaceous cysts are typically harmless, leaving them untreated can lead to complications, such as:
- Infection: The cyst may become infected, causing pain, redness, and pus drainage.
- Growth: The cyst may continue to grow in size, which could become more noticeable or bothersome.
- Rupture: In rare cases, the cyst can rupture, leading to a potential spread of infection.
If a sebaceous cyst becomes painful, inflamed, or infected, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Recovery from sebaceous cyst removal is typically quick. After the procedure, you may need to keep the area clean and dry, and avoid touching or scratching the wound. Stitches (if used) are usually removed within 7-14 days. Most people return to their normal activities within a few days to a week, although strenuous physical activity should be avoided until healing is complete.
Nirvana Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic
The clinic provides a range of dermatological and hair treatments. It’s advisable to call ahead for an appointment or for more specific information about services and availability.