CystRemoval

Conveniently located to serve Alpharetta, John's Creek, Milton, and Roswell

Skin cysts are common, often appearing as small, benign lumps beneath the skin’s surface. While many are harmless, they can become a source of discomfort, cosmetic concern, or even infection. At House of Dermatology, our experienced dermatologist in Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton, and Roswell, GA, specializes in precise and professional cyst removal and offers solutions for various skin cyst types.

What Are Skin Cysts?

A skin cyst is a sac-like growth that forms under the skin, filled with fluid, semi-fluid, or gaseous material. They can develop anywhere on the body and typically grow slowly, often without causing pain unless they become inflamed, infected, or rupture. The most common types include:

  • Epidermoid Cysts: These are the most frequent type, originating from skin cells trapped beneath the surface. They often appear on the face, neck, and torso.
  • Sebaceous Cysts: Less common than epidermoid cysts, these arise from damaged or blocked sebaceous glands, which produce oil for the skin and hair. They are typically found on the scalp, neck, and back.
  • Pilar Cysts: Primarily found on the scalp, these cysts develop from hair follicles. They often run in families.

The exact cause of cysts can vary, but they often result from blocked ducts, trauma, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms may include a noticeable lump under the skin, tenderness, redness, or warmth if infected.

When Should a Cyst Be Removed?

While many cysts are benign, there are several reasons why professional cyst removal becomes advisable or necessary. Considering a cyst removal procedure at House of Dermatology is appropriate if you experience any of the following:

  • Discomfort or Pain: Cysts can grow large enough to cause pressure, tenderness, or pain, especially if they are located in areas of friction or movement.
  • Infection or Inflammation: If cysts become infected or rupture, they can become red, swollen, and painful. In such cases, drainage or removal becomes critical to prevent further complications.
  • Cosmetic Concerns: Cysts, particularly on visible areas like the face or neck, can be aesthetically bothersome for many individuals.
  • Diagnosis Uncertainty: If a lump under the skin is not definitively identified as a benign cyst, removal allows for laboratory analysis to confirm its nature and rule out more serious conditions.
  • Interference with Daily Activities: A cyst in certain locations might interfere with clothing, hygiene, or physical activities.

Dr. Ravi R. Patel will thoroughly examine whether cyst removal or other surgical dermatology treatments are the most suitable course of action for your situation.

Why Consider Professional Cyst Removal?

Choosing to have a cyst professionally removed goes beyond simply addressing a cosmetic issue; it is a proactive step towards maintaining overall skin health and preventing future complications. While some cysts may remain dormant, others can grow, become painful, or rupture, leading to infection and requiring more urgent intervention.

Professional removal targets the root cause by extracting the entire cyst sac, significantly reducing the likelihood of recurrence. This also allows for pathological examination of the tissue, confirming its benign nature and offering peace of mind regarding your skin’s health.

Cyst Removal Procedure

The procedure is typically performed in our Alpharetta office as an outpatient service. Before the removal, the area around the cyst is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort.

There are several cyst removal methods, the most common being surgical excision. During surgical excision, a small incision is made over the cyst. Dr. Patel will carefully remove the entire cyst sac to help prevent recurrence. In some cases, if a cyst is inflamed or infected, it may first be drained, and removal may follow once the inflammation subsides.

After removing the cyst, the incision is closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied. The removed tissue is often sent to a pathology lab for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis.

What to Expect After Treatment

Following cyst removal in Alpharetta, patients can expect a relatively straightforward recovery period. Some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated area is common for a few days. Keeping the incision site clean and dry is vital for proper healing.

You will receive specific aftercare instructions, including details on dressing changes, wound care, and when to return for suture removal, typically within one to two weeks. Most individuals can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, though strenuous exercise or activities that might stress the incision site should be avoided. A small scar will remain at the incision site, which typically fades over time.

Cost of Cyst Removal

The total cost of cyst removal varies based on several factors unique to each case. Key elements influencing pricing include the cyst’s size and depth, its location on the body, the complexity of the excision, and whether pathology analysis is required. A personalized cost estimate is provided at your initial consultation.

Why Choose House of Dermatology?

Choosing House of Dermatology for your skin cyst treatment in Johns Creek, Roswell, or Milton, GA, means selecting a practice committed to excellence in dermatological care. Under the leadership of Dr. Ravi Patel, our board-certified dermatologist, our practice offers extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, including various types of cysts. 

Our facility in Alpharetta is equipped with modern technology, allowing Dr. Patel and our staff to perform procedures with precision and a focus on patient comfort. We understand that every patient is unique, and Dr. Patel tailors the approach to meet individual needs, providing personalized care from consultation through recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all skin cysts cancerous?

No, most skin cysts are benign (non-cancerous) growths. However, any new or changing lump on the skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm its nature and rule out other, more serious conditions. A biopsy of the removed tissue is often performed to provide a definitive diagnosis.

Can I remove a cyst at home?

Attempting to remove or “pop” a cyst at home is not recommended. Doing so can lead to infection, inflammation, scarring, and incomplete removal, which increases the likelihood of the cyst returning.

How long does the cyst removal procedure take?

The duration of a cyst removal procedure varies depending on the cyst’s size, type, and location. Most simple cyst excisions are quick, often taking ten to thirty minutes to complete in our office.

Will the cyst leave a scar?

Any surgical incision will result in a scar. However, Dr. Patel strives to minimize scarring by using precise surgical techniques and placing incisions strategically where possible. The appearance of the scar will typically improve and fade over several months following the procedure.

Schedule a Cyst Evaluation in Alpharetta

Relieve discomfort, prevent future infections, and improve your skin’s appearance with professional cyst removal. Schedule a cyst evaluation at House of Dermatology in Alpharetta, GA, today. Our expert team will perform a detailed assessment and recommend the cyst removal approach that best fits your needs.