SKIN SURGERY
Cyst removal
Assessment and removal of skin cysts that are growing, uncomfortable or unwanted.
- Doctor assessment before treatment
- Surgical removal under local anaesthetic
- Medicare rebates may apply
- No referral required
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a sac-like lump under the skin. Many common skin cysts are epidermoid cysts, although patients often refer to them as sebaceous cysts.
Cysts may feel firm or mobile under the skin. Some have a small central opening. They may remain stable for years, slowly enlarge, become inflamed, rupture or become infected.
When should a cyst be removed?
Many cysts do not need removal. Treatment may be considered when a cyst is:
- growing
- painful or uncomfortable
- repeatedly inflamed
- leaking or rupturing
- catching on clothing or equipment
- cosmetically unwanted
- of uncertain diagnosis
If a cyst is acutely inflamed or infected, immediate removal may not be the best first step. The doctor may recommend settling the inflammation first, then considering removal later.
Assessment before removal
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst. Your doctor will examine it and decide whether removal at the clinic is appropriate.
For some lumps, ultrasound, biopsy, delayed excision or referral may be recommended.
How cyst removal works
If removal is suitable, cyst surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic.
The doctor makes an incision over the cyst and removes the cyst contents and cyst wall where possible. Removing the cyst wall helps reduce the risk of recurrence.
The wound is usually closed with stitches. The tissue may be sent for pathology depending on the diagnosis and clinical judgement.
Recovery after cyst removal
Recovery depends on the size and location of the cyst and the type of procedure performed.
You may need a dressing, wound care and a follow-up appointment for suture removal. Temporary soreness, bruising, swelling or bleeding can occur after the procedure.
The doctor or nurse will explain wound care and when to return. Read our excision aftercare instructions.
When referral may be better
Referral may be recommended if a cyst is very large, deep, fixed, recurrent, in a complex location, close to important structures or associated with significant infection.
If referral is the better option, the doctor will explain why and guide the next step.
Fees and Medicare rebates
Cyst removal fees vary according to the size, location and complexity of the procedure.
Medicare rebates may apply when removal is medically indicated. Your doctor will explain the likely fee and rebate after assessment.
See our pricing page for indicative fees for:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sebaceous cyst and an epidermoid cyst?
The term sebaceous cyst is commonly used by patients, but many cysts referred to this way are technically epidermoid cysts. The treatment pathway is often similar, but assessment helps confirm the diagnosis.
Can a GP remove a cyst?
At Spot Check Clinic, cyst removal is performed by doctors with procedural training. More complex cysts may need referral to a specialist surgeon.
Will my cyst come back after removal?
Recurrence is possible, especially if the cyst has ruptured, been infected or if the cyst wall cannot be fully removed.
