Cysts & Lipomas
Cysts and lipomas are common, usually benign lumps under the skin. When they grow, inflame, or simply bother you, they can be removed safely under local anaesthesia with meticulous closure for a discreet scar. Every specimen is sent for histopathology to confirm the diagnosis.
What I treat
- Epidermoid (“sebaceous”) cysts — keratin-filled, often with a central punctum
- Pilar (trichilemmal) cysts — typically on the scalp
- Mucous/retention cysts — selected facial/neck areas
- Lipomas — subcutaneous, intramuscular, angiolipomas, fibrolipomas
- Post-procedure scar refinement when needed (see Scar Revision)
When is removal recommended?
- Recurrent inflammation or infection
- Rapid growth, pain, or functional interference
- Persistent friction/trauma (e.g., along collars, helmet lines)
- Cosmetic concern in a visible zone
- Uncertain diagnosis or atypical features
Red flags that trigger imaging/expedited removal: size >5 cm, firm fixation, rapid enlargement, night pain, or neurological symptoms (deep sites).
If your cyst is inflamed
Operating through an active infection increases complications and scarring. We’ll treat the flare first (± drainage/antibiotics), then schedule definitive excision about 6–8 weeks later once inflammation has settled.
The procedure, step by step
- Local anaesthesia — quick and well tolerated
- Precision excision — for cysts, removal with capsule to reduce recurrence; for lipomas, careful dissection to free the mass and preserve surrounding structures
- Layered closure — deep support sutures plus fine skin stitches for a neat line
- Sterile dressing and written aftercare
- Lab analysis — results reviewed with you; next steps confirmed
Time in clinic: ~20–40 minutes per lesion. Ambulatory (walk in–walk out).
Aftercare & scar care
- Keep dressing dry for 24–48 h, then gentle cleansing as advised
- Avoid stretching/tension on the area until healed
- Suture removal typically 5–7 days (face) or 10–14 days (body) if non-resorbable
- Silicone gel/taping during scar maturation; SPF 50+ on the line for 12 months
- Expect pink → pale fading over 3–12 months; we offer Scar Revision if needed
Safety & what to expect
Common, mild effects: temporary tenderness, bruising, small scar.
Less common: infection, bleeding/haematoma, widened or pigmented scar, recurrence (more likely if prior infection or incomplete capsule elsewhere), need for wider excision after histology in atypical cases. You receive clear consent, emergency instructions and structured follow-up.
FAQs
Will there be a scar?
Any excision leaves a scar. I plan incisions along tension lines, use layered closure, and support healing with silicone + SPF for the finest result possible.
Can you remove a cyst during a flare-up?
If it’s acutely inflamed, we usually settle it first, then remove the intact cyst later to minimise recurrence and scarring.
Do lipomas come back?
Complete excision is typically definitive. Rarely, multifocal conditions or incomplete removal elsewhere can lead to new lumps
Is lab analysis always done?
Yes. Histopathology is routine to confirm the diagnosis and margins.
What if the lump is deep or atypical?
We add ultrasound/MRI and plan a safe approach. Signs of a non-benign process prompt expedited care.
