A sebaceous cyst is also known as an epidermoid cyst, and it is a form of harmless cyst that typically appears on the skin layer, especially on the face, neck, head, trunk, or back area. Cysts may not cause any irritation or pain, but there are cases where cysts will cause pain and discomfort leading to the need for surgery. Sebaceous cyst surgery can be done at our clinic located at Ukay Boulevard, Desa Melawati, and Setiawangsa.

If you have noticed the existence of any painless lump that seems to be relentless, our doctors can examine the lump or cyst and suggest the best treatment method for it.

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

Sebaceous cyst occurs because of blockage of a hair follicle or an oil gland resulting into formation of a sac below the skin layer containing keratin (protein in the skin). The name itself is not very appropriate because sebaceous cysts rarely occur due to oil glands; hence, these cysts should have been called epidermoid cysts.

The features of this cyst include:

• Formation of a hard, round lump below the skin
• Its slow growth, sometimes not changing even for years
• Occurrence of a small pore in the center of the lump
• Its painless nature unless it gets inflamed or infected

When Removal Is Recommended

Every cyst does not require removal, however, the following conditions warrant removal of a cyst, as per the recommendation of our doctors:

• Pain, inflammation, or presence of any sign of infection in the cyst
• Growth of the cyst in size
• Location of the cyst making the individual uncomfortable, like friction between clothes and skin
• Cosmetic reasons
• Any confusion about the diagnosis where removal of the cyst can help clarify the diagnosis

In cases when the cyst is infected during consultation, then the infection needs to be drained before complete removal of the cyst can take place.

Know more about Surgery & Minor Surgical Consultation

The Removal Procedure

Sebaceous cyst excision at WeCare Clinic is a simple operation usually done with the aid of local anesthesia, where the patient is awake throughout but the operative site is entirely numb.

Sebaceous Cyst vs Other Skin Lumps

Not all skin bumps are sebaceous cysts, and a correct diagnosis becomes imperative prior to considering treatment options. Other non-cancerous skin bumps that we at our clinic also regularly diagnose and treat include fatty tumors (lipomas) and warts, and we have special removal services for these as well.

Correct examination will help to know exactly what you are dealing with, because various skin bumps might require slightly different approaches to removal. In case of any doubts regarding the diagnosis, the doctor might recommend removal for additional tissue analysis.

Recovery and Aftercare

Cyst removal recovery is usually uncomplicated, but this can depend upon the size of the cyst and where it is situated.

General recovery advice would include:

• Maintaining the cleanliness and dryness of the wound as per your doctor’s recommendations
• Obeying any instructions relating to changing dressings that may be needed
• Not putting pressure on the affected area while it heals
• Coming back for a follow-up appointment if stitches are needed to be removed
• Looking out for signs of infection, such as an increase in redness, swelling, or discharge

Our doctors will give you specific recovery advice following your procedure.

Also read about our Wound Care Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sebaceous cyst removal painful?

The operation will be conducted using local anesthesia, meaning you should not feel any pain during the process of excision of the cyst, but slight tugging may occur. Pain after the effect of local anesthetics fades out is usual but it can be easily coped with standard pain medications.

Will the cyst come back after removal?

In case when the whole cyst sac is removed, recurrence is quite rare. That is why the complete surgical excision is recommended in order to ensure long-term results.

How long does the procedure take?

The time required to remove a sebaceous cyst usually ranges between 30 to 60 minutes and is often conducted as a day surgery.

Will I have a scar after removal?

It is likely that you will experience slight scars after any minor surgery but our doctors do everything possible to make these scars minimal and imperceptible. The appearance of scars will depend on the size and location of the cyst as well as your body type.

Does WeCare Clinic accept insurance for cyst removal?

Yes, we are able to treat patients who are covered by various insurance policies, including PMCare, AIA, Perkeso, HealthConnect, MiCare, CompuMed, and EMAS.

Book Your Cyst Removal Consultation

For those of you with a sebaceous cyst that is causing you discomfort, growing, or even showing signs of being infected, please book an appointment at our WeCare Clinics.

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