Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Epidermoid cysts, also called sebaceous cysts, are benign (non-cancerous) skin cysts. Most commonly, epidermoid cysts are found on the scalp, genitals, chest, and back; but, they also can occur in other areas of the skin.
The symptoms of dermatofibromas include:
These cysts are:
The effective treatment of epidermoid cysts requires surgical removal under local anesthetic. If the cyst is squeezed and the discharge is forced out without removing the sac, the cyst will return. Usually, a plastic surgeon will be able to remove the cyst by making only a small incision in the skin. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infected cysts.
The operation is performed under local anaesthetic and therefore painless. The area will remain numb for a few hours afterwards. However, once the local anaesthetic has worn off, the wound may feel tender and sore for a few days. Take your normal painkillers regularly to keep yourself comfortable.
■ Driving – You may not drive for 24 hours if you have had a general anaesthetic. There are no driving restrictions if you have had a local anaesthetic.
■ Activities – Avoid contact sports or any activities that may pull on your stitches.
If your wound is stitched and covered with a protective dressing; the stitches may require removal in 5, 7 or 10 days time. The staff will advise you if the stitches need to be removed at an outpatients appointment. Keep your wound clean and dry until your stitches have been removed, or advised by staff.
■ Bleeding – Your wound may bleed a little after the operation. If this occurs, place a clean cotton handkerchief or cloth over the area and apply constant pressure for approximately 10-15 minutes.
■ Infection – Your wound may become infected. If your wound becomes swollen, very red, very tender or starts producing a cloudy discharge, see your GP who may prescribe you antibiotics.
■ Scarring – Any surgery will result in a scar. In most cases, the scar will appear pink to start with and then eventually virtually disappear. However, sometimes the scar may remain visible. It may 3 look a different colour from the surrounding skin or be raised above the surface of the skin. Rarely, the scar may feel numb or even be painful.
■ Recurrence – There is a risk that the cyst sac may not be completely removed, which can result in the cyst returning.
Often, the cysts are small and do not require any treatment at all. They may disappear by themselves. However, if the cyst is large or infected, the treatment options are:
I just had the otoplasty procedure at MACS clinic in Watford. From the initial consultation through to the surgery itself, I felt totally looked after by the brilliant staff. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, the clinic is very nice and I felt at ease at all times. Mr Vadodaria was very thorough, reassuring and happy to answer any questions and the surgery itself was painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the clinic to anyone!
– Jessica Barber –
Fantastic service! Lovely and approachable staff. Surgeon was incredibly informative, took the time to answer all my questions. Would highly recommend!
– Rajpal Gore –
5 stars!!! Thank you, I’ve already recommended you to friends and family
– Carlos L R –
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