Skin Cyst Removal

What is a Skin Cyst Removal?

A skin cyst (also known as an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst) is a benign, fluid-filled lump that develops beneath the skin. It typically contains keratin or sebum and can form on the face, neck, back, scalp, or other areas.

Cysts may feel smooth, round, and moveable under the skin. While usually painless, they can become red, swollen, infected, or tender.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

If the cyst is painful or inflamed

If it becomes repeatedly infected

If it affects appearance or self-confidence

If it grows in size or changes in character

Cyst is obstructing a part of your body that limits function

What is the NHS Criteria for this procedure?

Cyst (1.5CM - 5cm) - Apply for prior approvals with Lincolnshire ICB using the following criteria: For this procedure you should complete a prior approvals request, and once this is granted you should use the acceptance letter and send it with the referral for surgery

Conservative management already attempted: With documented evidence that conservative management (watch and wait over a period of time – more than 3 months) has been sufficiently tried and failed to resolve the condition. Or If left untreated, more invasive intervention would be required for removal.

AND at least one of the following criteria:

Trauma or abrasion: The lesion is unavoidably and significantly traumatised on a regular basis, please provide supporting evidence of regular bleeding (more than twice weekly for at least four weeks caused by everyday activities i.e. not due to picking)
Repeated Infection: There is repeated infection which results in the patient requiring 2 or more courses of antibiotics (oral or intravenous) per year
Bleeding: The lesion bleeds (more than twice weekly for at least four weeks) during normal everyday activity, such as the fastening or removal of clothing, use of tools or equipment, please provide supporting evidence of this
Continuous Pain: The lesion causes regular pain, requiring long-term daily medication, which affects or limits daily functioning; please provide supporting evidence of this
Obstructing Orifice: The lesion is obstructing an orifice or impairing field vision, please provide supporting evidence of this
Impacts Function: The lesion significantly impacts on function and causes a reduction in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)* or a risk to a critical life sustaining function, and the function would improve after intervention, please provide supporting evidence of this
Pressure Symptoms: The lesion causes pressure symptoms, such as on nerve or tissue, which are unavoidable, cannot be managed conservatively and cause atrophy, please provide supporting evidence of this

Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?

Small cysts may not need treatment and can be monitored. However, once a cyst becomes infected, large, or symptomatic, surgical removal is usually required — as antibiotics or drainage alone do not prevent recurrence.

What Happens During Surgery?

Performed under local anaesthetic, the cyst and its sac are completely removed via a small incision. This helps prevent it from recurring.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

The procedure takes 20–30 minutes

Minimal downtime — you can usually resume activities the next day

A small dressing will be applied; stitches may dissolve or be removed in 7–14 days

What Are the Risks?

Infection

Bleeding or bruising

Scarring

Recurrence (if any part of the cyst sac remains)

How Do I Prepare?

Patients Asking a doctor Questions _edit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the cyst come back?
A: Complete removal of the cyst and sac reduces the chance of recurrence significantly.

Q: Can you remove facial cysts?
A: Yes, our team is experienced in cosmetic-sensitive areas.