Cyst/lipomas removal

Cysts and Lipomas are removed by surgical excision.

Cysts are small sacs of tissue which lie within the skin. They usually contain shed skin cells (epidermoid cysts), but can be fluid or pus filled if they are infected. They can also be caused by blocked glands, foreign material or blocked hair follicles. They typically cause a swelling in the skin which can feel like a small smooth pea beneath the skin’s surface. Cysts are removed by surgical excision, taking care to remove the whole sac to reduce the risk of recurrence. Most cysts can be removed through a very small incision, minimising the size of the scar greatly. The wound is closed in layers, finishing with skin stiches that usually will require removal after 5-7 days.

Lipomas are a collection of fat cells. They are commonly found in the forehead where they lie beneath the broad sheet of muscle that allows us to raise our eyebrows. Removal requires dissecting to the level beneath this muscle. Once removed, the wound is closed with stitches and supported with tape dressings.

Cyst/LipomaFAQ

What is a Cyst/Lipoma? How are cysts/ lipomas removed? How long will the procedure take? What should I expect in the healing period? Is the procedure painful? How much does it cost?

What is a Cyst/Lipoma?

A cyst is a sac of material- typically shed skin cells, which lies within the top layers of skin.

A lipoma is a benign growth of mature fat cells. In the face, it often occurs in the forehead, and is commonly mistaken for a cyst. Lipomas are harmless, but like cysts, may be unsightly.

How are cysts/ lipomas removed?

Cysts and lipomas are removed by surgical excision. Sometimes a small communication or tract exists, leading from the cyst to the skin surface. This tract must be removed along with the whole cyst to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Lipomas in the forehead lie beneath the broad sheet of muscle that allows us to raise our eyebrows. Removal requires dissecting to the level beneath this muscle. Once removed, the wound is closed with stitches and supported with tape dressings.

How long will the procedure take?

Most cysts and lipomas take about 30-45 minutes to remove from start to finish.

What should I expect in the healing period?

The skin is closed using stitches, and supporting tape dressings will be applied. The stitches are removed about 5-7 days following surgery. It takes a few days for the skin edges to start to knit together and about 10-14 days to fully heal. The repair will take a few weeks to strengthen.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is done under a local anaesthetic and is totally painless. However, there is a slight discomfort associated with the injection of the anaesthetic. This is minimised by the use of distraction techniques and fine needles. Once the anaesthetic wears off, most patients do not require any pain medication as the level of discomfort is very low.

How much does it cost?

All Cyst and Lipoma excision costs are clearly listed on our website. Any necessary post-operative follow-up is provided at no additional cost.

Cyst / lipomas removal price list *

Inital consultation free of charge

Number of cysts/lipomas	Excision of non-facial or head and neck and non-recurrent cysts/lipomas under 2 cm in diameter	Excision of larger cysts/lipomas between 2-3cm in diameter or Facial or head and neck/recurrent cysts/lipomas under 1.5cm in diameter	Excision of cysts/lipomas over 3cm in diameter or Facial or head and neck/recurrent cysts/lipomas over 1.5cm in diameter
1	£385	£495	£650
2	£660	£785	£950
3	£935	£1075	£1250
4	£1210	£1365
5	£1485	£1655
Histology if needed	£80	£80	£80

* Prices are for cysts/lipomas removed at the same appointment. Note that size is determined on examination and takes into account the size of excision required, and depth of the lesion. This is intended to be a guide. Different anatomical sites may be priced differently.

Dominic M

I contacted the Minster Clinic for removal of a sebaceous cyst and was very impressed by the care, professionalism and clinical excellence of the team there.
I was able to immediately book an appointment at a convenient time and underwent both the consultation and the procedure without any delay. Everything was explained clearly, the quality of the materials and environment were first class and the clinical team were reassuring, friendly and efficient. The procedure was completely without complication and the healing process straightforward. I am happy to give the Minster Clinic my warmest recommendations.

Michael M

I am extremely pleased with the treatment I received from Daniel and Sarah Thio. I was a little a bit apprehensive about having a cyst removed from my forehead but I was immediately put at ease by the welcoming attitude. The environment is pleasant and I felt at ease immediately. The procedure itself went perfectly, they talked me through the steps as they performed the procedure and I always knew what was happening. The procedure itself was painless and I am more than happy with the results. The wound has healed up nicely and you can no longer tell I even had a lump in the first place. I would highly recommend the minster clinic to anybody and wouldn’t hesitate in using them again for any further surgical procedures.