Epidermal Cyst (“Sebaceous Cyst”)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Cysts:

  • Are a sac filled with dead skin cells and can develop anywhere on the skin”s surface
  • Usually look like a round “lump” under the skin
  • May range in diameter from the size of a pea to a tennis ball
  • Sometimes the opening of the cyst is visible as a tiny pore on the skin’s surface
  • May get gradually larger with time and do not disappear spontaneously
  • Are not due to diet
  • Are not collections of fat tissue
  • Are not due to an “Ingrown Hair”
  • May sometimes rupture, or break, and then become red, swollen and painful
  • Sometimes may get infected
  • If you are not certain whether a cyst is normal or not you should show it to your doctor
  • The skin around the cyst is injected with a local anesthetic to numb the area
  • The cyst is opened and then the contents and the wall of the cyst are removed
  • Stitches are used to close the opening
  • Antibiotic ointment and a bandage are used to cover the wound
  • The day after surgery apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the wound and change the bandage daily until the stitches are removed
  • If you notice redness, pain, swelling or a discharge from your wound, let the doctor know immediately
  • The stitches are removed in 5 to 10 days
  • The removal of stitches is painless
  • You may bathe, shower and do your normal activities unless the cyst that has been removed is very large and there is a risk of the wound being damaged. The doctor will inform you about this
  • There is a small chance that the cyst could grow back
  • There is no cream at this time that will remove cysts
  • There is no way to prevent a cyst from developing
  • Removal of benign (non-cancerous) cysts is not covered by OHIP or private health insurance
  • A referral from a doctor is necessary to make your first appointment

Epidermal Cyst – Face

Epidermal Cysts can appear anywhere on the body, except for the palms and soles

Epidermal Cyst – Forehead

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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