Not every lump is a cyst. Accurate diagnosis is critical before any removal is attempted. A cyst usually feels like a smooth, round ball that rolls slightly under the skin.

It is frequently confused with a lipoma, which is a benign overgrowth of fat cells. The primary difference is the texture and depth; lipomas are often softer and deeper than cysts. During your consultation, we will determine the nature of the growth to plan the correct procedure.

Many cysts are harmless and can be left alone. However, you should see a doctor immediately if your cyst:

• Grows rapidly or changes significantly
• Becomes infected, painful, or red
• Occurs in a sensitive location
• Makes you feel self-conscious due to its visibility
• Causes irritation by rubbing against clothing or jewelry

Please avoid squeezing a cyst at home. Rupturing the sac internally triggers a massive inflammatory reaction and makes surgical removal much more difficult.

Premier Dermatology offers several options for cyst and lipoma removal, depending on the cyst type and its current state.

1. Injections (Intralesional Therapy) – For inflamed, tender cysts or deep cystic acne, we often utilize intralesional therapy. This involves injecting a medication (typically cortisone) directly into the cyst to reduce inflammation. This method is designed to “dissolve” the bulk of the swelling quickly without the need for an incision or cutting.
2. Incision and Drainage (I&D) – This procedure is best suited for acutely infected or painful cysts containing fluid. After numbing the area, we make a small opening to drain the contents, providing immediate pressure relief. While effective for pain, the cyst wall (sac) often remains behind because it is too fragile to remove during active infection.
3. Surgical Excision – This is the definitive treatment for non-inflamed, stable cysts (such as Epidermoid or Pilar types). Under local anesthesia, we make a precise incision to remove the entire cyst sac intact. Removing the sac wall is the only way to prevent the cyst from refilling in the future.

Recovery is generally straightforward, depending on the procedure performed. For surgical excisions, you may have a small bandage and sutures that remain in place for 7–14 days. We generally advise avoiding heavy exercise that stretches the wound area for a short period.

Conversely, for incision and drainage procedures, the wound may be left slightly open to allow drainage to complete, and you may need to apply warm compresses at home to aid healing.

Coverage for cyst removal depends on the procedure’s nature. If a cyst removal is deemed medically necessary, insurance plans typically cover the evaluation and treatment. However, if a cyst is small, stable, and removed solely for appearance, insurance often classifies it as a cosmetic procedure. We will provide a transparent cost estimate before proceeding so you understand your financial options.

When it comes to surgical removal, the skill of your provider dictates the quality of your result. Dr. Melissa Burnett is a distinguished leader in Boston dermatology, bringing the rigor of her Harvard residency and her tenure at Massachusetts General Hospital to every procedure.

As highlighted when Dr. Melissa Burnett was featured in Boston Magazine, she is consistently recognized as a Top Doctor for her combination of high-level academic expertise and artistic detail. Dr. Burnett approaches every excision with the precision of a cosmetic surgeon, utilizing advanced closure techniques to ensure that once the problem is resolved, the result is as seamless as possible.