Cyst removal is usually a quick and effective procedure, but many patients understandably ask the same thing: “Will it come back?” In some cases, cysts can recur – especially if they weren’t completely removed or were treated during a flare-up or infection.
At City Dermatology Clinic, our dermatologists and surgeons – including Dr Andreea Anton, Mr Marcus Davis, and Mr Parviz Sadigh – focus on precise and complete removal to reduce the risk of recurrence. In this article, we explain why some cysts return, how you can minimise the chances, and why choosing the right clinic makes a difference.
Can Cysts Come Back After Removal?
Yes, cysts can return – but it often depends on how they were removed and what type of cyst you had.
Most cysts form due to blocked hair follicles or oil glands, and some types, such as sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, have a sac beneath the skin. If this sac isn’t fully excised during surgery, it may fill again and form a new cyst in the same area.
Other reasons for recurrence include:
- The cyst was drained, not excised (temporary relief, but sac remains)
- It was removed during an infection or inflammation, making full removal difficult
- The cyst was very deep or adhered to surrounding tissue
- Genetic predisposition, especially with pilar cysts on the scalp
So while complete surgical removal reduces the chance of it returning, no procedure can guarantee a 0% recurrence – especially if the cyst has recurred before.
How to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence
To minimise the chance of a cyst returning, timing and technique matter.
- Have it removed before it becomes inflamed: Infected or irritated cysts are harder to remove cleanly, and often require antibiotics or drainage first.
- Choose full surgical excision: Simple lancing or draining is not enough. The cyst sac must be fully removed to prevent regrowth.
- Avoid squeezing or home treatments: This can cause the cyst to rupture under the skin, increasing the risk of infection and recurrence.
- Follow aftercare advice carefully: Proper wound healing reduces complications that could lead to the cyst returning or scarring.
At our clinic, we often advise patients to wait until a flare-up settles – or we treat the infection first – before scheduling full removal for better results.
Choosing the Right Clinic Matters
Not all cyst removals are the same. At City Dermatology Clinic, our doctors take a surgical approach focused on complete excision with minimal scarring. This significantly lowers the chance of the cyst returning – especially for those who’ve had recurrent issues in the past.
Here’s what makes a difference:
- Specialist-led treatment: Our team includes dermatologists and surgeons experienced in removing cysts on the face, scalp, back, chest, and more.
- Precision and care: We use techniques designed to fully remove the sac while minimising skin tension, which helps with healing and long-term results.
- Follow-up and aftercare: Our patients receive clear instructions and aftercare support to reduce complications and promote clean healing.
If you’ve had a cyst removed elsewhere and it returned – or you’re considering your first removal – booking with an experienced clinic can make all the difference in both outcome and confidence.
