SEBACEOUS CYST REMOVAL
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
Sebaceous cysts are benign growths originating from the oil glands located on our skin. They form due to a blockage (cause often unknown) in the outlet of a sebaceous gland which normally allows the oils (sebum) produced by that gland to surface onto the skin. In essence, a sebaceous cyst is a blocked oil gland in the skin that enlarges as oil and fluid build-up inside it.
Sebaceous cysts can occur on any body part that has sebaceous glands. Common locations include:
- Face
- Neck
- Upper back
- Chest
Sebaceous cysts can sometimes become infected and cause spontaneous tenderness in the cyst along with redness and heat. An infected sebaceous cyst may need to be treated using antibiotics and/or a surgical drainage procedure. The cyst will then usually need to be formally excised at a later date once the infection has been resolved for at least several weeks.
In our clinic, sebaceous cysts are treated by direct surgical excision under local anaesthesia. Direct surgical excision involves making an incision directly over the cyst, extracting the cyst surgically, and then stitching the skin. We are always focused on using minimal incisions, therefore leaving the smallest scars possible when excising sebaceous cysts.
Common side effects can include bruising, swelling and numbness which will usually subside as the area begins to heal.
There are more uncommon complications associated with surgery such as infection, haematoma, delayed healing and thick scarring.
After surgery, you will have dressings to protect the incisions and Dr. med. Strouthou may write a prescription to help control any pain or discomfort you experience during your recovery, if it is necessary. Despite some initial swelling, most patients return to work and other daily activities the day after the surgery. The appearance of the scars will continue to improve over time.
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