Pilar cyst removal is a safe and effective procedure to eliminate pilar (trichilemmal) cysts, commonly found on the scalp. We use pain-free laser and surgical techniques to achieve optimal results with minimal scarring. Each cyst is carefully assessed to ensure suitability for removal, and where necessary, samples can be sent for analysis to confirm safety. This minimally invasive approach provides a quick and reliable solution, improving comfort, preventing recurrence, and restoring smooth, healthy skin.
| Treatment | Surgery Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple cyst | from £500 |
| Larger cysts | from £750 |
The cost of consultation with our doctors is £75. This is redeemable against the cost of treatment carried out on the same day.
Prices are a guide to the costs and the exact price can only be determined once the doctor has examined you in person. Most cysts don’t need histology testing. However, in certain circumstances if the doctor thinks it is necessary, then they will discuss this with you and the related costs.
Please call 0207 386 0464 OR email [email protected] for help.
A pilar cyst is a type of skin cyst that develops when the cyst sac forms from cells similar to those that are in the bottom of hair follicles. Pilar cysts form slowly at first, but they get larger with time. Fortunately, they are not painful.
Pilar cysts can form where hair follicles become clogged or obstructed. They form anywhere on the body hair grows and are especially common in areas where you shave or pluck your hair, as this can cause damage to the follicle. Pilar cysts can also commonly crop up on the scalp. They may appear more frequently on the scalp because the scalp naturally produces oil.
However, it’s important to note that pilar cysts are not exclusively limited to your face and scalp. They can also grow on your back, neck, chest, and stomach.
Pilar cysts may be irritating and uncomfortable, but they are not life-threatening or medically harmful. The main concern is cosmetic i.e. relating to their appearance.
Pilar cysts are round lumps on your body, which can appear quite dome-like on the surface of your skin. They are normally the same complexion as your skin tone and are usually firm to the touch but smooth in texture.
Pilar cysts are easily misdiagnosed or confused with other skin conditions, so it’s best to have an assessment if you have any concerns at all.
Pilar cysts are solid lumps, but they do not contain pus and should not be sensitive to touch.
It’s best to see a specialist for a proper assessment of your pilar cyst(s). The doctor will need to carry out a careful examination of the cyst in order to obtain the correct diagnosis.
In some cases, cysts can eventually heal on their own. You may be able to relieve the swelling by pressing a clean, hot towel to the cyst. This can feel soothing too.
Not all cysts will disappear, some are quite stubborn and just keep getting bigger.
It is a matter of personal choice. Cysts are not dangerous or harmful in medical terms. They’re also not contagious. The main issue for most people is how they look. Sometimes they can cause additional problems if they protrude a lot and get caught easily. If you would prefer to get rid of your pilar cyst, then always seek a medical professional who has expertise in cyst removal.
If you would prefer to get rid of your pilar cyst, then always seek a medical professional who has expertise in cyst removal. Cosmedics Skin Clinics treat all sorts of lumps and bumps, blemishes and lesions. Their medical experts recommend that cysts are best removed using surgical techniques. This is a minor procedure which is carried out under local anaesthetic.
The doctor makes an incision, then squeezes out the pus from inside the cyst before carefully drawing out the cyst ‘sac’. It is important that the sac is removed in order to prevent the cyst from regrowing. The wound is closed using tiny stitches or steri-strips.
There is no specific size at which a pilar cyst must be removed. Some people choose to have them removed when they’re quite tiny, to avoid them getting bigger and becoming more noticeable or worrying. Removing cysts early tends to leave very small scarring after healing, which is practically unnoticeable.
Yet others live with them for years, either hoping they’ll go on their own or else not really worried about the cyst. Big cysts can be removed as well, although naturally the incision will have to be larger.
If you leave a pilar cyst untreated, then it is likely to continue growing. Cysts grow to be a variety of sizes. Some can be quite small, 1cm or even less; while others can grow to the size of a tennis ball.
There is also a risk of a cyst becoming inflamed or infected. For most people, the main reason for getting rid of cysts is the aesthetic appearance of them.
The team at Cosmedics Skin Clinics is committed to providing high-quality health care to everyone who phones or visits. Our professionals are qualified and will assist you in diagnosing your pilar cyst and explaining the recommended treatment for pilar cyst removal.
They’ll also explain the aftercare and any other relevant issues. You can trust Cosmedics for pain-free treatment and minimal scarring results. We offer cyst removal in a choice of London clinics and many can be removed same day, saving the inconvenience of having to return for a further appointment.
A pilar cyst is a fluid-filled lump that grows from a hair follicle, most commonly found on the scalp. They are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and tend to feel firm, smooth, and mobile under the skin. Unlike sebaceous cysts, pilar cysts have a thicker wall, which often makes them easier to remove in one piece.
Unlike a pimple or a small infection, a pilar cyst consists of a thick physical sac. While the inflammation might fluctuate, the sac itself will not go away without surgical intervention. Over time, they usually grow larger or become “calcified” (harder), making them more noticeable.
We strongly advise against this. Squeezing a pilar cyst can cause it to rupture under the skin, leading to a painful infection or inflammation. Furthermore, if the sac isn’t removed by a professional, the cyst will simply refill.
Pilar cysts often contain “calcified” keratin, which makes them feel like a hard pebble or marble under the scalp. This is a key characteristic that helps our doctors distinguish them from softer fatty lumps like lipomas during your assessment.
Yes. It is very common for patients to have several pilar cysts on the scalp. During your “See & Treat” consultation, our surgeons can assess all of them and typically remove multiple cysts in a single session, saving you the time and cost of multiple visits.
There is no need to cut or shave your hair. We simply ask that you wash your hair on the morning of the procedure with your usual shampoo to ensure the scalp is clean. Please avoid applying heavy hairsprays, gels, or hair fibers on the day of your appointment.
This is very unlikely. We can usually perform the procedure by parting the hair or trimming only a tiny amount at the incision site. Once the area heals, your surrounding hair will easily cover the small mark.
We recommend waiting until the wound is fully healed and the stitches have been removed (usually 7–10 days post-procedure). It is best to wait at least 2 weeks before using harsh hair dyes or chemical straighteners to avoid irritating the new scar tissue.
Any incision will leave a small linear scar. However, because pilar cysts are on the scalp, the scar is typically very thin and in the majority of cases will also be hidden by your hair growth.
If the cyst sac is removed entirely, it is very unlikely to return in that exact spot. However, people prone to pilar cysts may develop new ones in different areas of the scalp over time.
Please call us or fill in the form below and we will be delighted to help with your enquiry.