Is It Time to Consider Cyst Removal? 7 Things to Know

When a bump or ball appears slightly under the skin, it can be shocking. Most commonly, these bumps are cysts. Cysts can come in all sizes and may or may not create pain. If you’ve noticed a lump on your body, a dermatologist can help. Cysts are a common medical issue, and cyst removal is one area we specialize in at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX.

What Is a Cyst?

A cyst is a rounded pocket under the skin that often feels like a hardened ball. Cysts can form nearly anywhere on the body and can be tiny or very large. Different substances fill these pockets, and they rarely pose any medical danger, but they can feel uncomfortable.

What Causes Cysts?

Clogged pores and hair follicle infections often cause cysts. Acne or ingrown hairs may contribute to the formation of a cyst. Usually, skin expels trapped skin cells, oils, and debris from the pores, but when a pore is blocked, it cannot do this. Clogged pores trap dead skin cells, and, over time, a cyst is formed.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cyst?

Usually, the first symptom of a cyst is seeing or feeling a lump under the skin. In most cases, the cyst will not hurt when touched. Cysts in sensitive regions like the breasts may feel tender. Tender cysts are especially challenging to live with. You don’t have to endure the discomfort cysts cause, painful or not.

Booking a consultation with Dr. Opeola is the best way to learn about your options for treating a cyst.

Seven Things to Know About Cyst Removal

For many people, living with a cyst is uncomfortable. Tiny cysts may or may not bother you. Larger cysts often impede regular activity, and many people seek medical care to remove them. It’s a good idea to contact us whenever a cyst is causing you discomfort or if you have any concerns. Below we look at the top seven things to know before removing a cyst.

1. A Consultation Is the Place to Start

Booking a consultation with us is the first step. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns, assess the cyst, and help you make the most educated decisions about your circumstances. If we decide that cyst removal is the best option for you, we’ll arrange your appointment and walk you through the process thoroughly.

2. Cyst Removal Is Preventive Care

Although most cysts aren’t dangerous or harmful, they can burst. If a cyst bursts, it becomes much more difficult to treat and can have more severe consequences. If a cyst becomes infected, it can become an abscess, which poses higher risks to your health and wellbeing. By electing to remove a cyst, you are taking a preventive and proactive approach to your health.

3. Removal Is a Straightforward Procedure

Our expert dermatology staff is highly skilled in medically removing cysts. They use a minimally invasive procedure to gain access to the cyst. Once the cyst is visible, they remove the intact cyst and close the incision site. Removing a cyst is very similar to removing a deep mole.

4. It Doesn’t Take Long

An appointment for removing a cyst takes around 30 minutes on average. Many patients even have shorter appointment times. The appointment includes all the preparation, procedure, and after-care counseling you need.

Sometimes, an appointment for removing a cyst can take longer than average. How long your appointment will take depends on the size and location of your cyst. The best way to find out how long it will take to remove your cyst is to schedule a consultation with us. We can give you more accurate information about your specific case after we’ve seen the cyst.

5. You Won’t Feel the Procedure

If you have concerns about how it will feel to have your cyst removed, don’t worry. Before the procedure begins, your specialist will provide local anesthesia to the treatment area to ensure that you don’t feel the incision. The local anesthesia is a numbing agent that prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure.

6. After-Care Is Covered

After we’ve removed your cyst and dressed the area, we provide you with comprehensive post-care instructions. We design these instructions to help you recover swiftly after the procedure. As dermatologists, we are trained to care for you and your skin. We make sure that your skin heals from the inside out and give you all the tools you need for self-care at home.

7. You’re Usually Covered by Insurance

Many health insurance plans cover the removal of cysts. If your health insurance covers this procedure, it will go toward your yearly deductible.

Don’t Try This At Home

The internet features many DIY tutorials on how to remove a cyst, but these methods are ineffective and potentially harmful. Squeezing a cyst will not remove the problem because the entire pocket needs to be removed. Draining the pocket is not enough to prevent the cyst from forming again. Only a professional medical expert can safely and efficiently remove cysts.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are experiencing any changes to your skin, it’s best to get a professional opinion. Removing a cyst is a preventive and proactive step toward better health, and our team can help you plan the best course of action. Contact us today at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX to find out if cyst removal is right for you. We look forward to meeting you.