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).
Cyst removal - what to expect:
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. Basic histology fees are included within the procedure cost.
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.
Getting care is straightforward
01
Request an appointment
02
Consultation with Dr Lowe - this usually takes 15-20 minutes
03
Procedure under local anaesthetic with histology included
04
Aftercare appointment
Cyst Removal Pricing
Further detail on pricing, including pricing FAQs, can be found on our pricing page.
Why Choose Glasgow Skin Specialists?
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.
Professional Environment:
Every procedure is performed by skilled specialists in a trusted clinical setting, prioritising safety and optimal results.
Tailored Approach
We focus on both medical success and cosmetic considerations, ensuring the best possible results.