Minor Procedures
Sebaceous Cyst Excision (Local Anesthesia)
Dr. Tamer Rushdy ElalfyPatient source: From Clinic to Recovery
This is general education. Always follow the instructions from your treating team for your operation and health.
What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a benign, slow-growing lump beneath the skin caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands. It may contain a thick, cheese-like material and sometimes has a foul-smelling discharge if infected.
Some patients may have multiple cysts or a family tendency, and certain skin types are more prone to their formation.
Purpose of Excision
- To remove discomfort or prevent infection
- To avoid rupture or increase in size
- For cosmetic reasons
Why this Procedure is Performed
- Persistent or enlarging cyst
- Recurrent infection or inflammation
- Cosmetic concern
- Rare suspicion of malignancy
Procedure Details
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia
- Technique: Small incision over the cyst, complete removal of the cyst sac, closure with stitches
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Goal: Complete removal of the cyst to prevent recurrence and minimize scarring
If the cyst is large, multiple, or in a difficult area, general anesthesia may be considered.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quick outpatient procedure
- Minimal discomfort
- Low recurrence risk if completely removed
Cons
- Mild redness or swelling
- Rare infection or bleeding
- Small cosmetic scar
Preoperative Preparation
- The area should be clean and healthy before the operation
- No fasting is required
- Ultrasound may be requested before surgery in some cases to assess size or depth
- For local anesthesia cases, patients do not need to attend 8 hours before; they come directly at the scheduled time given by their surgeon
Postoperative Expectations
Immediate
- Mild pain controlled with oral analgesics
- Waterproof dressing allows safe bathing
- Mild redness, swelling, or bruising may occur
First week
- Keep area clean and dry
- If non-absorbable sutures are used, removal is after 7–10 days or as advised by the surgeon
- Visit for dressing change if soaked or loosened
- Observe for redness, pus, or increasing pain
Sometimes a small drain is placed to prevent fluid collection and is removed after 3–5 days; this may cause mild wound soaking, which is normal.
Possible Complications
- Bleeding: 1–2%
- Infection: 1–3%
- Minimal scarring
- Recurrence: 1–5% if excision incomplete
Follow-up Plan
- Routine follow-up after 7 days
- Suture removal if applicable
- Discuss with your surgeon if you have multiple cysts about removing some or all
- Contact doctor if bleeding, pus, or pain increases
When to Call Your Doctor or ER
- Persistent bleeding or discharge
- Fever or spreading redness
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
Full guide written by Dr. Tamer Elalfy