“Understanding Cyst & Lipoma Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe and Effective Procedures”

Cyst and Lipoma Removal

Cysts and lipomas are extremely common on the face and other parts of the body. They can be cosmetically embarrassing as well as cause problems when shaving and catch on clothing. 

Cyst Removal

A skin cyst is a lump under the skin caused by a build-up of fluid. A skin cyst looks like a round lump just under the skin. They can range in size from smaller than a pea to a few centimetres wide. Most cysts can be left alone. If the cyst is infected, you may need antibiotics. Sometimes people decide to remove them as they are not normally treated on the NHS and can be removed surgically with one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeon’s.

Lipoma Removal

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They’re harmless and sometimes people like to get them removed.

Check if you have a lipoma

• Lipomas are common they can:
• feel soft and squishy
• can be the size of a small pea to a few centimetres across.
• may move under your skin if you press them.
• are not usually painfull
• grow slowly

Cyst Removal

Cysts are abnormal, closed pockets of tissue that can form anywhere in the body. The most common type of cysts removed are epidermoid cysts, which occur just beneath the skin.

Steps for Cyst Removal:

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • The area around the cyst is cleaned using an antiseptic solution.
   • Local anesthesia (e.g., lidocaine) is administered to numb the area, so the patient doesn’t feel pain during the procedure. In rare cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if the cyst is in a sensitive or hard-to-reach location.

2. Incision:

   • A small incision is made over the cyst. The size of the incision is just large enough to remove the cyst and its contents. For larger cysts, a slightly larger incision may be necessary.

3. Cyst Excision:

   • The contents of the cyst (such as keratin) are carefully squeezed out or removed with a surgical instrument.
   • To prevent recurrence, the entire cyst wall (or sac) is typically excised. If any part of the sac is left behind, the cyst can reoccur.

4. Closure:

   • The wound is closed with stitches (or sutures) that dissolve over time or need to be removed within 1-2 weeks.
   • A dressing or bandage is applied to prevent infection and promote healing.

5. Post-Operative Care:

   • Patients are advised to keep the area clean and follow any aftercare instructions.
   • Infected cysts may require a course of antibiotics to prevent further infection.

References for Cyst Removal:

• American Academy of Dermatology: This resource provides guidelines on the treatment and removal of common cysts such as epidermoid cysts (AAD – Cysts).

Lipoma Removal

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fat tissue that usually grow just under the skin. They are typically painless but can cause discomfort if they press on nerves or muscles. While many lipomas do not require removal, patients may opt for surgery for cosmetic reasons or if the lipoma is growing.

Steps for Lipoma Removal:

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • The area where the lipoma is located is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
   • A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area. This makes the procedure nearly pain-free.

2. Incision:

   • A small incision is made directly over the lipoma. If the lipoma is large, a more extended incision might be necessary.

3. Lipoma Excision:

   • The lipoma is carefully separated from the surrounding tissue. Since lipomas are soft and mobile, they are often easy to remove. However, if the lipoma is deep or has multiple lobes, more precision is needed.

4. Closure:

   • After the lipoma is excised, the incision is closed with sutures. If the lipoma was very large or in a difficult-to-reach area, the surgeon might place a drain to prevent fluid accumulation.

5. Post-Operative Care:

   • Patients are instructed to keep the surgical site clean and follow up with their doctor for suture removal in about 1-2 weeks.
   • In some cases, pain management and avoiding excessive movement of the surgical site is advised.

References for Lipoma Removal:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons: This provides information on lipoma treatment, including the surgical process of removal (ASPS – Lipoma Removal).

Potential Risks and Complications for Both Procedures:

• Infection: There is always a risk of infection with any surgery. Keeping the area clean and following proper aftercare guidelines helps reduce this risk.
• Scarring: There will likely be some scarring, but surgeons try to make incisions as small and discreet as possible.
• Recurrence: If the entire cyst or lipoma is not removed, it can regrow. This is more common with cysts if their sac isn’t fully excised.
• Nerve Damage: Especially for lipomas located near nerves, there is a slight risk of nerve damage, although it is rare with proper technique.
• Seroma: This is a condition where fluid collects under the skin after surgery, potentially leading to a lump that may require drainage.

Additional References:

1. Mayo Clinic – Cysts: Offers a comprehensive guide on cyst diagnosis and removal options (Mayo Clinic – Cysts).
2. WebMD – Lipomas: Gives an overview of lipoma causes, diagnosis, and removal (WebMD – Lipomas).