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Cyst Removal At a Glance
Cost
Under Insurance
Anesthesia
Local
On-Op Length
20–45 minutes
Recovery
1-2 weeks for most patients; minimal downtime
While some cysts may drain or shrink temporarily, complete removal of the entire cyst wall is necessary to prevent recurrence.
Dr. Kayastha regularly removes cysts for patients in the Capital Region.
Contact UsWhy KPS?
Our mission at K Plastic Surgery is simple. Dr. Kayastha and his team are focused on delivering the very best possible patient experience combined with excellent results. As a board-certified plastic surgeon,
Dr. Kayastha has the skill and experience to help you achieve your unique aesthetic goals.
Verified Patient Reviews
Verified Patient
I finally had the surgery I had been wanting for most of my adult life. Dr K was so kind and compassionate at every doctor visit and with my surgery. When I went for my first post op appointment and the bandages were taken off I was beyond happy with my results. Dr K has changed my life the confidence I now have is priceless. I highly recommend Dr K you will not be disappointed. Thank you so much Dr K you are an amazing surgeon and you have improved my life beyond words.
Whitney M.
I was also thinking of going with a different place until I met Dr. Kayastha. Within 5 minutes of meeting him, I knew he was the one. He has an amazing bedside manner plus he was honest and straight forward from the beginning. He spent quite a bit of time with me explaining everything and didn’t send me to meet with his office staff to explain important details about the surgery like the other 2 places. I never felt like he was rushing with me to see another patient. My result were amazing and I would highly recommend Dr. Kayastha. Once you meet him, you won’t want to go anywhere else!!
What is Cyst Removal?
Cyst removal is a minor surgical procedure used to eliminate cysts, non-cancerous lumps filled with fluid, pus, or other material, that form beneath the skin. While most cysts are harmless, they can become painful, infected, or cosmetically bothersome, often requiring medical or surgical treatment. Common types of cysts include:
- Sebaceous cysts (caused by blocked oil glands)
- Epidermoid cysts (from trapped skin cells)
- Pilar cysts (often found on the scalp, originating from hair follicles)
- Dermoid cysts (containing dead skin cells, hair, and other tissue)
- Ganglion cysts (fluid-filled lumps near joints or tendons)
Who is a Good Candidate for Cyst Removal?
Patients may be good candidates for cyst removal surgery if:
- They have a painful, swollen, or infected cyst
- The cyst is growing or recurring
- They’re concerned about cosmetic appearance
- The cyst is interfering with movement or clothing
- Home remedies haven’t worked
- There is concern that the lump may be cancerous or associated with skin cancer
Cysts that form due to severe acne, blocked glands, or trauma may also require treatment. Dr. Kayastha will assess the present symptoms and determine whether surgical removal is the most suitable course of action.
Cyst Removal Treatment Options
Most cyst removal procedures are quick and well-tolerated, requiring only a local anesthetic. Treatment options include:
Cyst Removal Treatment Options
Customization
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Surgical Removal
In a minor surgery, a small incision is made directly over or near the cyst; Dr. Kayastha carefully removes cysts in their entirety to prevent recurrence.
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Incision and Drainage:
If a cyst is infected or inflamed, it may need to be drained first, with definitive removal scheduled after the inflammation resolves.
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Minimally Invasive Removal
For smaller cysts, tiny incisions and gentle techniques are used to minimize scarring and recovery time.
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Biopsy or Lab Analysis
If there's any suspicion of skin cancer, the cyst or surrounding tissue may be sent for testing.
Cyst Removal Results
After a cyst removal procedure, patients typically see immediate improvement in the appearance of the affected area. The lump is gone, and the skin appears flatter and smoother. While a small scar may remain, it usually fades over time, especially with proper aftercare and early intervention. Because the entire cyst sac is surgically removed, the likelihood of recurrence is significantly reduced.
How To Screen Yourself At Home
If you’ve discovered a lump or bump under your skin, it’s natural to wonder whether it could be a cyst. While only a medical professional can make a definitive diagnosis, there are several signs you can look for at home to help identify whether the lump may be a cyst. Cysts can vary in size, firmness, and sensitivity, and they may change over time, but being aware of what to watch for can help you decide when to seek professional evaluation. Common features of cysts include:
- Soft or firm lump beneath the skin
- Often round or dome-shaped
- Can move slightly when pressed
- May feel tender or become painful if infected
- Sometimes leaks fluid (if ruptured)
- Commonly found on the scalp, neck, back, or face
- Skin over the cyst may look normal or slightly discolored
- Usually grows slowly over time
It’s important to monitor the lump for changes. If the cyst increases in size, becomes red or warm, feels increasingly painful, or fails to heal, it’s time to see a doctor. Attempting to pop or drain a cyst at home is not recommended, as this can introduce infection, cause scarring, or fail to remove the entire cyst, leading to recurrence.
Recovery from Cyst Removal
Recovery from cyst removal is typically quick and uncomplicated. Most patients experience only mild pain or tenderness at the incision site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some swelling or bruising may occur during the first few days, but these symptoms are usually short-lived. Patients typically return to work or their normal daily activities within one to two days. Stitches, if used, are usually removed within 7 to 10 days. When cysts are treated early, patients generally heal with minimal scarring and excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Schedule a Consultation
When patients desire to have a cyst removed, K Plastic Surgery in Albany is here to help. Dr. Kayastha will assess the condition and recommend the most suitable, personalized treatment option. Contact K Plastic Surgery for professional, thorough medical treatment.
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