A cyst is a benign sac filled with keratin and oils, commonly found on the chest, back, or scalp. It’s usually caused by a blocked oil gland, hair follicle, or trauma to the skin.

Most cysts are harmless, but complications can include infection, inflammation, or spontaneous rupture. There is a very low risk of malignant transformation, which is why histology testing is often recommended.

Is cyst removal painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic using skin-numbing injections similar to those used at the dentist.

How long does cyst removal take?

Cyst removal typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the cyst.

Will the cyst come back after removal?

Recurrence is rare when the entire cyst sac is removed during surgery.

Do I need a GP referral to book?

No referral is required. You can book directly with Glasgow Skin Specialists for consultation and treatment.

Is histology testing included?

Histology is recommended due to the low risk of malignancy. The additional charge will be discussed during your consultation and again prior to surgery.

What happens after the procedure?

You’ll receive aftercare guidance and be offered a free follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and take post-operative photographs. The wound usually heals within 1–2 weeks, leaving a straight scar.

Private Cyst Removal in Glasgow Safe, Specialist-Led Minor Surgery

Have you been told your cyst doesn’t qualify for NHS treatment? You’re not alone. Many patients experience epidermoid or sebaceous cysts that, while benign, can cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or unpleasant discharge. At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we offer private cyst removal in Glasgow, providing fast access to minor surgery under local anaesthetic—led by NHS-trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons in a HIS-compliant clinic.

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What Are Cysts?

Epidermoid cysts are benign (non cancerous) sacs, filled with a mixture of keratin and oils. They are common and can occur anywhere on the skin, but most commonly on the chest, back and scalp. They are most commonly caused by a blocked oil gland or hair follicle, but can also be caused by your outer layer of skin getting buried in the deeper layer, usually by injury or surgery. They are relatively harmless, but complications can arise in the form of infection, which can be recurrent, or spontaneous rupture, releasing an unpleasant discharge. There is a very low risk of cancer cells growing within a cyst (malignant transformation).

1 / Consultation

When you attend for your consultation, you will be seen by a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will take a short medical history from you and some photographs of the lesion for your medical records. They will discuss with you your options for treatment, which will usually be a cyst removal operation under local anaesthetic. Most cysts will be fairly straightforward to remove, but some can grow to be very large and then the operation is more complex. You will be offered the choice of sending the cyst away for histological examination due to the low risk of malignant transformation. Following this discussion, if you are happy to proceed, you will be offered a further appointment to return for your surgery.

2 / Surgical Procedure

The cyst removal operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. These are skin-numbing injections, similar to that used at a dentist. Once the skin is numbed, a cut is made in the skin overlying the cyst, and the cyst itself is carefully removed through the hole. The skin edges are then brought back together with some stitches. The wound will heal in a week or two, leaving a straight scar, which will continue to mature over a period of months. Cyst removal usually takes about 45 minutes, depending on the complexity.

3 / Histology

There is a low risk of malignant transformation in cysts. It is usually recommended that if you have a cyst removed, it is sent for histological examination, although the chances of finding anything untoward is very low. The additional charge for histology will be discussed with you at your consultation and again prior to surgery.

4 / Postoperative Care

Following your surgery, you will be given some aftercare information and offered a follow-up appointment free of charge, to ensure your wounds have healed satisfactorily and to take some post-operative photographs.

Cyst removal: what to expect

Why Choose Glasgow Skin Specialists?

Trusted NHS-Trained Specialists

All procedures are led by experienced surgeons who combine hospital-grade expertise with private care efficiency.

Rapid Access to Treatment

Our fast-tracked service allows you to bypass long waiting lists, ensuring timely diagnosis and expert mole removal.

Safe and Professional Environment:

Every procedure is performed by skilled specialists in a trusted clinical setting, prioritising safety and optimal results.

Tailored Approach for Optimal Outcomes

We focus on both medical success and cosmetic considerations, ensuring the best possible results.

Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Dangerous?

Basal Cell Carcinoma is very rarely life-threatening. It grows slowly and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue, causing damage - especially on the face. That's why early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What does BCC look like?

BCCs can appear in different ways, but common signs include: - A shiny pearly bump (sometimes with visible blood vessels). - A sore that keeps bleeding, crusting, or not healing. - A flat, scar-like patch - A red, scaly area that might itch.
Can BCCs spread to other parts of the body?

BCC very rarely spreads (metastasises) beyond the skin. However, it can become locally invasive - meaning it grows wider and deeper if left untreated, especially in delicate areas like the nose, ears or eyelids.
What happens if I ignore it?

If left alone, a BCC will usually continue to grow. It can cause disfigurement or damage to nearby tissue, especially if on the face. Treatment is usually simpler and more effective when started early.
Will BCC surgery leave a scar?

Most BCC treatments do leave a small scar, but we take great care to minimise scarring and place incisions discreetly where possible. The scar often fades over time.
Does BCC treatment hurt?

All BCC operations are conducted under local anaesthetic. This feels slightly stingy but is not overly painful.

Book Your Consultation Today

Take the first step towards healthier skin with expert cyst removal services. Contact Glasgow Skin Specialists today to schedule your consultation and receive personalised care for your skin concerns.