Conventional Wide Excision:
• A traditional surgical approach that removes the cyst and a margin of surrounding
tissue.
• Most thorough method with virtually zero recurrence risk.
• Leaves a longer scar (typically 1–2 cm) requiring sutures for closure.
• Recovery: 1–2 weeks; suture removal after 7–10 days.
Minimal Excision Technique:
• Uses a tiny 2–3 mm incision directly over the cyst’s center.
• The cyst contents are expressed; the cyst wall is carefully removed entirely through
the minimal opening.
• Results in a minimal scar with excellent cosmetic outcome, particularly for facial
and neck cysts.
• No sutures needed; wound closes naturally and heals spontaneously.
• Recovery: 3–7 days; faster healing than conventional excision.
Laser-Assisted Minimal Excision (Two-Step Approach):
• Step 1: Laser creates a small hole for drainage of cyst contents.
• Step 2: Cyst wall is removed with minimal excision 1 month later.
• Particularly effective for large cysts in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Your dermatologist recommends the most appropriate technique based on cyst size, depth,
location, and your aesthetic concerns.
Cyst excision is suitable for:
• Asymptomatic Cysts: Even painless cysts can be removed for cosmetic reasons or to
prevent future enlargement.
• Inflamed or Infected Cysts: Removal prevents recurrent infection and inflammation.
• Large or Enlarging Cysts: Particularly those in cosmetically visible areas (face, neck,
décolletage).
• Cysts on High-Mobility Areas: Cysts on joints or areas that frequently bend may
benefit from removal to prevent irritation.
• Multiple Cysts: Patients with multiple cysts can have several removed in one
session.
Contraindications (Temporary):
• Active infection: Excision may be delayed until infection resolves.
• Bleeding disorders: Coordination with medical specialists may be needed.
Professional cyst excision at Cutis is a straightforward, minimally invasive surgical
procedure:
1. Pre-Operative Assessment: Your dermatologist examines the cyst, determines depth
and size, and plans the most appropriate excision technique.
2. Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed with local anesthetic injection; you remain
awake and comfortable throughout.
3. Surgical Excision: Using the chosen technique, the dermatologist carefully removes
the cyst and its wall.
4. Closure (if needed): For conventional wide excision, sutures close the wound; for
minimal excision, the wound is typically left to heal naturally.
5. Dressing and Instructions: Sterile dressing is applied; detailed wound care
instructions provided.
Procedure Duration:
• Small cysts: 15–20 minutes.
• Larger cysts: 30–45 minutes.
• Multiple cysts: 1–2 hours depending on number and location.
Immediate Post-Operative Period:
• Mild bleeding or oozing is normal; apply gentle pressure if needed.
• Pain is minimal due to local anesthesia; over-the-counter pain relief usually suffices.
Wound Care (First 1–2 Weeks):
• Keep the wound clean and dry; follow detailed aftercare instructions provided by
your dermatologist.
• Change dressing daily or as instructed.
• Avoid soaking the wound in water until it’s fully sealed.
• For sutured wounds: Sutures are typically removed 7–10 days post-procedure.
Activity Restrictions:
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sweating for 3–7 days post-excision.
• Return to normal activities gradually as wound heals.
Scar Minimisation:
• Avoid sun exposure to the scar area for at least 4 weeks; use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Scars continue to improve for 3–12 months; minimal excision scars are typically
very fine and inconspicuous.
Recurrence Prevention:
• Complete excision of the cyst wall virtually eliminates recurrence risk (>99%
success with proper technique).
• Minimal excision or incomplete removal may have slightly higher recurrence rates
(5–10%), though still low.
Immediate Post-Operative Period:
• Mild bleeding or oozing is normal; apply gentle pressure if needed.
• Pain is minimal due to local anesthesia; over-the-counter pain relief usually suffices.
Wound Care (First 1–2 Weeks):
• Keep the wound clean and dry; follow detailed aftercare instructions provided by
your dermatologist.
• Change dressing daily or as instructed.
• Avoid soaking the wound in water until it’s fully sealed.
• For sutured wounds: Sutures are typically removed 7–10 days post-procedure.
Activity Restrictions:
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sweating for 3–7 days post-excision.
• Return to normal activities gradually as wound heals.
Scar Minimisation:
• Avoid sun exposure to the scar area for at least 4 weeks; use SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Scars continue to improve for 3–12 months; minimal excision scars are typically
very fine and inconspicuous.
Recurrence Prevention:
• Complete excision of the cyst wall virtually eliminates recurrence risk (>99%
success with proper technique).
• Minimal excision or incomplete removal may have slightly higher recurrence rates
(5–10%), though still low.
