Sebaceous Cyst Treatment - Diagnosis, Removal, & Recovery

There are several benefits to seeking treatment for sebaceous cysts. 

• Relief from Discomfort:Sebaceous cysts can cause discomfort, pain, and irritation, especially when they become inflamed or infected. Treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and provide relief from discomfort.
• Prevention of Complications:If left untreated, sebaceous cysts can potentially lead to complications. They can become infected, causing pain, redness, and swelling. In some cases, an untreated cyst can rupture, leading to further infection and potential scarring. Timely treatment can help prevent such complications.
• Aesthetics Benefits: Sebaceous cysts can be unsightly, especially if they occur on visible areas of the body, such as the face, neck, or scalp. Treatment can remove the cyst and improve the appearance of the affected area, enhancing overall aesthetics. 
• Elimination of Recurrent Cysts:Some individuals may experience recurrent sebaceous cysts. Treatment options such as surgical excision or drainage can help remove the cyst and its contents entirely, which reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
• Peace of Mind: Dealing with a sebaceous cyst can cause anxiety and concern. People also feel worried that the cyst may be cancerous. Seeking treatment can provide peace of mind, knowing that the cyst has been addressed and any potential risks or complications, including malignancy, have been minimized.

Preparation Before Sebaceous Cyst Removal

To prepare the patient for the treatment procedure, the doctor will provide detailed instructions. The common instructions will include the following:

• Get the recommended diagnostic tests done and keep the reports in hand. 
• The doctor will recommend that the patient not press or try to pop the cyst at home. This can cause complications. 
• Stop drinking alcohol and smoking a week before the surgery, as they affect the body’s healing abilities. 
• Avoid eating or drinking anything at least 8 hours prior to the surgery as they can react with anesthesia and increase the risk of aspiration. 
• Avoid wearing any kind of makeup, accessories, or jewelry, and using skincare products, as they can increase the risk of infection. 

When the patient arrives at the hospital, he/she is admitted, and the nurses will run some basic tests, such as blood tests, liver function tests, etc., to ensure the patient is in optimal health. The anesthetist will discuss the allergies or previous reactions to anesthesia to determine which type of anesthesia will be suitable. After discussing everything, the patient is asked to sign a consent form before proceeding.

Sebaceous Cyst Removal Procedure

Before the surgery begins, local or general anesthesia will be used to numb the specific body part or entire body. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon proceeds to remove the cyst. 

• An incision is made around the cyst (or a laser is used to create a hole) depending on the technique that is being used for the removal. 
• The cyst contents are drained completely. After drainage, the surgeon removes the cyst wall or sac. If the cyst wall or sac is not removed, it will increase the chances of cyst recurrence. Sometimes, the cyst wall becomes fragmented and needs to be scraped out. If necessary, the surgeon may use an electro-cauterization tool to destroy the cyst wall completely. 
• Then the incision is closed through stitches, glue, or bandage, whichever is suitable, and left to heal. 

The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes, and the patient gets discharged on the same day. 

What to Expect After Sebaceous Cyst Treatment?

Immediately after the surgery, the patient will be under observation for a few hours, during which his/her vitals will be monitored. Once the anesthesia wears out, the patient will be transferred to the recovery room. 

The doctor will suggest that the patient rest properly on the first day. There may be some bruising or swelling around the surgical site, which will disappear within a few days. 

Before discharging the patient, the doctor will create a recovery guide that consists of a diet plan as well. This will help to recover quickly and smoothly after the surgery. 

Recovery After Sebaceous Cyst Surgery

The results of sebaceous cyst surgery will be clearly visible after the procedure. As the cyst grows outside the skin, after the removal, the skin will be flat again. 

As the minimally invasive technique is used for removal, the recovery will also be quick. It will take around 1 week to heal after the surgery. You should pay attention to the doctor’s advice and follow the tips below to recover quickly:

• There is no need to take special precautions with diet unless advised by the doctor.
• Avoid driving on the day of surgery, as you will be given anesthesia on the day, and the after-effects will still linger after you are discharged.
• Don’t engage in strenuous physical activities until approved by your doctor.
• Keep the bandage dry and clean the surrounding area. If you are guided to change the bandages yourself, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully and clean the wound.
• Take the pain medications as directed by the doctor.
• Talk to the doctor if you wish to take other over-the-counter [OTC] pain medications.
• Visit the doctor for follow-ups as instructed without any delay. 

Risks & Complications Associated With Sebaceous Cyst Surgery

During the Surgery 

Regardless of the technique used for the treatment of sebaceous cysts, there are the same levels of risks and complications. These potential risks associated with surgery are:

• Anesthesia reactions such as malignant hyperthermia
• Bleeding during surgery 
• Blood clots formation 
• Injury during the surgery 
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the region 

To ensure that such complications don’t arise, the anesthetist first asks the patient for potential allergies. Besides that, the doctor uses modern surgical instruments approved by USFDA to carry out the procedure safely. 

After the Surgery

Post-surgery, some complications that may arise include:

• Infection, 
• Swelling and bruising, 
• Scarring, 
• Delayed healing, 
• Cyst recurrence 

Normally, these complications can be avoided successfully if you pay attention to the doctor’s advice and take the prescribed medications. 

How to Prevent Sebaceous Cyst Recurrence?

Sebaceous cysts are primarily caused due to trauma or injury to the sebaceous glands. Therefore, the individual should always be cautious and take the necessary steps to prevent new cysts from forming. While it may not be entirely possible to prevent them, take the following measures to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgical or non-surgical treatment:

• Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly washing the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Keeping the skin clean can help prevent infections that can lead to cyst formation.
• Avoid squeezing or picking at sebaceous cysts. Manipulating or trying to remove the cyst yourself can cause it to rupture, increasing the risk of infection and potential recurrence.
• Try to avoid any unnecessary trauma or injury to the skin. Trauma can trigger the development of sebaceous cysts. Protect the skin from cuts, scratches, and other forms of physical damage.
• Minimize exposure to excessive oil and dirt, as they can contribute to clogged pores and the formation of sebaceous cysts. Use oil-free or non-comedogenic skin care products and regularly cleanse the skin to remove dirt and excess oil.
• Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can promote overall skin health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet to support healthy skin.
• Wearing tight clothing can increase friction and pressure on the skin, potentially leading to the development of cysts. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize this risk. 

Sebaceous cysts may still develop despite preventative measures. If they do, it’ll be best to talk to a doctor and seek proper treatment. 

Sebaceous Cyst Removal Cost in India

On average, sebaceous cyst removal cost in India ranges from Rs. 35500 to Rs. 55000. This is an estimated price range, and the actual cost of sebaceous cyst removal varies for each patient due to various factors. The key factors that influence the cost are listed below:

• The city or region where the patient is getting treatment. 
• The choice of hospital or clinic. 
• The surgeon’s expertise and experience. 
• The method of treatment chosen based on the size and complexity of the condition. 
• Pre and post-surgery diagnostic tests and evaluations. 
• The type of anesthesia and anesthetist’s fee. 
• Prescribed medications and post-operative care and follow-ups. 

It should also be noted that sebaceous cyst treatment can also be covered under health insurance if the condition is symptomatic. It’s advised to talk to the insurance provider to understand the terms and conditions regarding the coverage for sebaceous cyst treatment.