Forehead cysts are a common concern and can be both cosmetically and physically uncomfortable. At City Dermatology Clinic in Harley Street and the City of London, we offer expert forehead cyst removal with minimal scarring using precise surgical techniques. Our NHS-trained dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons provide discreet, same-day private treatments tailored to your needs.
Cysts on the forehead are usually harmless but can grow, become infected, or cause cosmetic concerns. We offer safe, effective treatment options led by experienced medical and aesthetic professionals.
This is the most definitive treatment. The cyst and its sac are removed entirely under local anaesthetic to prevent recurrence. On the forehead, our surgeons take particular care with incision placement to minimise scarring and preserve natural contours.
In cases of inflamed or infected cysts, a small incision may be made to drain the contents. This is usually only a temporary solution and is not suitable for long-term cosmetic results, as the cyst sac remains and may refill.
Where clinically appropriate, the removed cyst can be sent for histological analysis to confirm the diagnosis and ensure it’s benign. This is often recommended for recurrent or atypical cysts.
We use fine sutures or advanced closure techniques to achieve the best cosmetic outcome, especially on visible areas like the forehead. All closures are performed by doctors experienced in aesthetic procedures.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical Consultation | A dermatologist or surgeon examines the cyst and confirms its nature through palpation or ultrasound if needed. A treatment plan is outlined, including cosmetic considerations. |
| Local Anaesthetic | The forehead area is numbed using a small injection. This ensures the procedure is completely pain-free. |
| Cyst Removal | A small incision is made directly over or around the cyst. The entire cyst sac is removed to prevent recurrence. In aesthetic cases, the incision is placed along natural forehead lines. |
| Closure | Fine sutures are used to close the area neatly. On the forehead, our team uses precise stitching to help achieve a barely visible scar. |
| Optional Histology | If necessary, the cyst is sent to the lab for analysis. Results are typically available within one week. |
| Same-Day Discharge | You can leave the clinic shortly after and return to normal daily activity, avoiding heavy exercise for 48 hours. |
| Common Symptoms | Typical Causes |
|---|---|
| Smooth, round lump under the skin that slowly enlarges | Blocked hair follicles or sebaceous glands |
| Cosmetic concern due to visible location on the forehead | Skin trauma, oily skin, or genetic predisposition |
| Occasional tenderness or inflammation | Rupture of the cyst or low-grade infection |
| Infected or draining cyst if left untreated | Repeated irritation or delayed treatment |
Our team includes aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons who understand how to perform cyst removal with precision, placing incisions for optimal healing and minimal visible scarring.
We offer efficient, private care in the City of London and Harley Street – with same-day bookings available for eligible cases.
All procedures are carried out by GMC-registered consultants with NHS experience, now offering personalised care without waiting lists or rushed appointments.
City Dermatology Clinic is a leading centre for minor surgical procedures. Patients trust us for our expertise in treating facial and scalp cysts with both medical and cosmetic excellence.
Our surgeons and dermatologists are highly experienced in performing forehead cyst removals that prioritise both medical success and cosmetic outcome. Each case is handled with care, from diagnosis to closure – so you leave confident in both health and appearance.
A forehead cyst is a fluid- or keratin-filled lump that forms beneath the skin, often from a blocked hair follicle or oil gland. The most common types include epidermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts. They’re typically benign but can grow larger over time, become infected, or cause cosmetic concerns – especially on such a visible area like the forehead.
No – the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which completely numbs the area. You may feel slight pressure during the removal, but not pain. After the procedure, there may be mild tenderness or swelling for a day or two, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
All surgical procedures carry some risk of scarring, but our aesthetic and plastic surgeons use scar-minimising techniques such as precise excision, fine sutures, and strategic incision placement along natural skin lines. Over time, most patients find the scar fades significantly and becomes barely noticeable.
Yes, but the approach may be different. If your cyst is inflamed or actively infected, we may recommend a short course of antibiotics first. In some cases, an initial drainage may be required before complete surgical excision can be performed safely and effectively.
The procedure usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes and is carried out as a walk-in, walk-out treatment. Most patients return to their normal routine the same day, though you should avoid strenuous exercise or facial pressure for 24–48 hours. If you work in a public-facing role, you may prefer to take a day or two off for swelling to settle.
Yes, if you have more than one cyst – either on the forehead or nearby areas – we can usually treat them in a single session, provided it is safe and suitable. This will be discussed during your consultation and factored into your treatment plan.
It depends. While some forehead cysts are removed for medical reasons (infection or rapid growth), many patients choose to remove them for cosmetic concerns. At our clinic, both aspects are treated with equal importance – ensuring safe removal with an aesthetic focus on the final result.
Histology (lab testing) is not always required but may be recommended by your doctor, particularly if the cyst has grown rapidly, changed in appearance, or has an unusual texture. It provides confirmation that the cyst is benign and helps rule out rare conditions. We’ll discuss this option with you during your visit.
If a cyst is fully excised – including its sac – recurrence is highly unlikely. However, if only the contents are drained or the sac is not completely removed, the cyst may return. Our surgeons take care to remove the entire capsule to reduce this risk and ensure a long-term solution.
The forehead is a high-visibility area, and poor technique can lead to visible scars or incomplete removal. At City Dermatology Clinic, our procedures are performed by doctors with specialist training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. This ensures the cyst is removed fully, cleanly, and with the least cosmetic impact – something that general GP or non-specialist care may not guarantee.
Our clinic is perfectly located in Central London near a number of conveniently located stations.
Warwick House,
65-66 Queen Street
London
EC4R 1EB
0208 050 5981
Nearest Stations:
4 Harley Street
London
W1G 9PB
0208 050 5981
Nearest Stations:
Experience exceptional care with our team of leading dermatologists in London at our private clinic, dedicated to providing outstanding skin health services in a state-of-the-art facility. Choose City Dermatology Clinic for private, expert dermatological care in the City of London.
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