Cyst Removal Clinic

The vast majority of cysts can be removed in the same appointment as your consultation as part of our ‘See & Treat’ service.

Our exclusive ‘See & Treat’ system was designed specifically to enable clients to go ahead with treatment in the same appointment as their consultation (as long as both patient and Doctor/Surgeon are agreed). If you’re not sure there’s no obligation to go ahead straightaway; you’re welcome to arrange treatment for another day if preferred.

In some cases, complex cysts may require a longer treatment and therefore require a separate appointment. Your doctor/surgeon will advise on this during your consultation after full assessment and diagnosis of the cyst.

Most cysts are removed very carefully using a sterile scalpel.

Yes, cyst removal is entirely pain-free thanks to the use of local anaesthetic.

When the local anaesthetic injection wears off, you may feel sore or uncomfortable in the area. This can be managed using paracetamol or ibuprofen for a few days if required.

After cyst removal, we normally will need to use stitches to bring the edges of the wound together. We use dissolving stitches where possible, but in some cases, stitches may need removing by your Doctor/Surgeon 1-2 weeks after cyst removal.

We will advise on this fully after assessment of your cyst during your initial consultation.

You can wash and shower, but be careful to keep the area dry for the first 1-2 days. Avoid long baths for 7 days.

Once the wound has healed (typically around 2 weeks) then scar therapy can start. Our advice for the best scar reduction therapy is as follows:

Cyst removal from body/limbs

• Continue to support the wound with steri-strips or micropore tape for 2 months changing them every couple of days as they get worn. The reason for this that even though the wound has healed the wound is only at about 50% of its normal skin strength at this stage, so in areas when the skin moves a lot the scar then stretches if it is not supported during these first few few months whilst it regains more strength.
• After the period of strapping for 1-2 months, you can then start to massage with Silicon scar gel, Bio-Oil or vitamin e cream. This should be done 2-3 times a day for the next 3 months to help improve the redness and texture of the scar.

Cyst removal from facial areas

• Apply silicon scar gel twice a day, morning and evening. Dermatix or Kelo-cote are available at Cosmedics Skin Clinics or at most chemists.
• Make-up can be applied over the top once the scar gel has dried if needed.
• Gentle massage during the day using moisturising cream or oil (e.g. Bio-Oil) helps soften the scar as well.  This can be done for up to 3 months.

Some bruising in the area is quite normal after cyst removal. This normally takes 7-14 days to settle. Gentle massage and arnica cream can help speed up the recovery.

Your doctor/surgeon will give specific instructions regarding wound care and dressings in your appointment.

We usually use a spray on dressing applied after cyst removal on the scalp, as dressings can be quite awkward where there is a lot of longer hair. The spray on dressing protects the wound while it starts to heal.

Keep this area dry for 1-2 days. After then, you can wash the hair as normal, but be especially gentle and careful around the wound. Apply Vaseline or silicone scar gel 2-3 times a day to help the wound heal.

Stitches are then removed 7-10 days later. We will check on how the wound is healing and give any further advice as required.

You will be given specific instructions regarding wound care and dressings in your appointment.

There is usually a dressing applied after facial cyst removal, to protect the wound while it starts to heal. You will be given some additional dressings to go home with and can replace the dressing if needed. Be gentle when removing any dressings. Soaking in some warm water (not overly hot) can help loosen it up if stuck. After removing the dressing, the wound itself can be cleaned with some soapy water, then dried.

If you are using steri-strips, then you reapply by cutting the strips in half and applying across the wound. If required, the shower proof dressing is then put on top.

Your doctor/surgeon will advise how long you need to use dressings, steristrips and shower proof layers.

You will be given specific instructions regarding wound care and dressings in your appointment, as this can vary depending on the nature of treatment that you’ve had.

After cyst removal, our doctor/surgeon will usually apply a dressing. You will be given some additional dressings so that you can replace it at home if needed. Be gentle when removing any dressings. Soaking in some warm water (not overly hot) can help loosen it up if stuck. After removing the dressing, the wound itself can be cleaned with some soapy water, then dried.

If you are using steristrips, these are usually cut in half and then applied across the wound. A shower proof dressing is then put on top (if supplied).

It depends on where the wound is and the type of exercise you are planning. We recommend omitting more strenuous exercise for 2 weeks, but gentle walking etc is ok and activity is good to keep your circulation going, which helps the body to heal. If the wound is likely to be ‘pulled’ while exercising, then take caution and leave it until the wound has healed more fully.

Avoid watersports and swimming for a week, as you don’t want the wound to get overly wet.

It is important to avoid soaking the area for 7 days, so leave a week before you go swimming – more if you think the wound needs a bit more time to heal.