Cysts are closed pockets of tissue that can form anywhere on the body, often filled with fluid, pus, or other material. While most cysts are harmless, there are cases where surgical removal may be necessary. Understanding when a cyst requires surgery can help ensure timely treatment, prevent complications, and achieve the best cosmetic outcomes.
When to Consider Cyst Removal Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for a cyst if:
- The cyst is infected or inflamed, showing signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. An infected cyst may also leak pus or have a foul odour.
- It causes pain or discomfort, particularly when moving or pressing against a nerve, impacting daily activities.
- The cyst is growing rapidly or changing in shape and colour, raising concerns about potential complications.
- It interferes with daily tasks, such as a cyst that limits movement, affects vision, or hinders normal function.
- There is a risk of rupture, especially for cysts under pressure or in sensitive areas, which can lead to infection and scarring.
- The cyst presents a cosmetic concern, particularly if it is visible on the face, neck, or hands, affecting self-confidence.
NHS vs. Private Treatment for Cyst Removal
The NHS offers cyst removal services primarily for medical reasons (depending on the complexity). This means treatment is often only available if the cyst is:
- Infected, painful, or posing a health risk. The NHS will typically treat cysts that are causing significant discomfort or have the potential to lead to complications.
- Impacting quality of life, such as restricting movement, interfering with vision, or causing severe discomfort.
- At risk of becoming seriously infected or causing other medical issues, warranting surgical intervention.
However, the NHS does not cover cyst removal for cosmetic reasons. This means that visible but harmless cysts, such as those on the face or hands, are unlikely to be treated unless they meet the medical necessity criteria. Additionally, for non-urgent cases, NHS waiting times can be long, often several weeks to months, and availability may vary by local NHS trusts.
What to Expect from Cyst Surgery
Cyst removal surgery at private clinics, like City Dermatology Clinic, is a straightforward procedure designed to remove the cyst safely while minimising scarring. The treatment is performed by experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons, ensuring high standards of care and excellent results.
Surgical Techniques and Recovery
- Local Anaesthetic: The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area around the cyst is numbed, and patients remain comfortable throughout.
- Excision Surgery: The most common method involves making a small incision over the cyst and removing both the cyst and its sac. This approach is effective in preventing recurrence.
- Curettage and Drainage: For certain fluid-filled cysts, a small cut is made, and the contents are drained. However, this method is typically supplemented with excision to avoid the cyst returning.
- Stitches: The incision may be closed with dissolvable or removable stitches, ensuring the wound heals neatly.
Aftercare and Healing
- Healing Time: Most patients can return to normal activities the same day or within a day or two, with full healing expected in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size and location of the cyst.
- Minimising Scarring: Our specialists use precise techniques and offer aftercare advice to help minimise scarring, including the use of scar creams and sun protection.
- Follow-Up Care: Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions, and follow-up appointments are available if needed to monitor healing and provide additional support.
What to Expect from Cyst Surgery
At City Dermatology Clinic, cyst surgery is a simple and safe procedure carried out by highly experienced specialists. Our approach is designed to ensure complete cyst removal, provide a comfortable experience, and minimise the chance of recurrence.
Surgical Techniques Explained
- Local Anaesthetic for Comfort: The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning only the area around the cyst is numbed. You’ll remain awake and comfortable, with the procedure itself being pain-free.
- Complete Cyst Removal: Our specialists use a surgical excision technique, where the entire cyst is carefully removed, including its sac. This is important because leaving part of the cyst behind can lead to regrowth, so our focus is on ensuring complete removal.
- Incision and Healing: A small, precise cut is made over the cyst. Once removed, the wound is closed neatly with dissolvable or removable stitches, depending on the location of the cyst. Our specialists aim to make the smallest incision possible, ensuring minimal scarring.
- Low Risk of Recurrence: We are so confident in our technique and expertise that we offer a reoccurrence policy for most types of cysts. This means if the cyst comes back, we’ll address it swiftly, providing peace of mind to our patients.
Aftercare and Recovery
- Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal activities the same day or within 24 hours. Healing typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, with minimal restrictions during recovery.
- Minimising Scarring: Our specialists provide tailored aftercare advice, including how to care for the wound, reduce scarring, and maintain healthy skin. We may recommend scar creams or specific skincare products to enhance healing results.
- Supportive Follow-Up Care: After your treatment, our team is available to answer questions, monitor your recovery, and ensure the best possible outcome. Our 5-star service includes detailed aftercare instructions and the option for follow-up appointments if needed.
Why City Dermatology Clinic Is a Top-Rated Choice for Cyst Removal
At City Dermatology Clinic, we are proud to be one of London’s leading clinics for cyst removal, offering a combination of medical expertise, advanced techniques, and a 5-star patient experience. Our team includes highly experienced specialists who have performed thousands of successful cyst removals, ensuring safe procedures and excellent cosmetic outcomes.
What Makes Us a Top Choice?
- Our expert team, including Mr Parviz Sadigh, Dr Jana Torres-Grau, Mr Georgios Pafitanis, and Dr Nicki Bystrzonowski, provide professional and compassionate care. They specialise in complete cyst removal, focusing on minimising scarring and ensuring low risk of recurrence.
- We use advanced surgical techniques that ensure complete removal of the cyst and its sac. Our reoccurrence policy reflects our confidence in our treatment methods, offering patients peace of mind and assured outcomes.
- We offer same-day consultations and treatments, allowing you to quickly address concerns. Our clinic often provides appointments within the same week, helping patients avoid the long waiting times associated with NHS services.
- We focus on providing a welcoming and professional environment, from initial consultation through to aftercare support. Our patient-centric approach ensures that you feel comfortable and informed at every stage.
- Our clinic is located in a central, easily accessible area, with flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Care for All Ages
Our services extend to patients of all ages, including children and teenagers. Dr Jana Torres-Grau, who specialises in paediatric treatments, ensures that younger patients receive gentle care, with a focus on comfort and safety.
Choosing City Dermatology Clinic for cyst removal not only ensures expert treatment but also offers the benefits of a clinic that prioritises quality care, efficient service, and exceptional patient experiences. Our goal is to help you achieve smooth, healthy skin with minimal discomfort and long-lasting results.
