Cyst and Lipoma Removal
Cyst and Lipoma Removal in Katy, Sugar Land, and Houston, Texas
At Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we have substantial experience removing benign tumors and cysts.
A cyst is a benign nodule under the skin that can occur on the scalp, face, eyelids, neck and in most other hair-baring areas.
Cyst formation is for the most part determined genetically. These are composed of keratin that is trapped inside of a sac, and typically have a communication with the outside via a black dot/punctum. Given the benign nature of the condition, we strongly recommend avoidance of manipulation including squeezing or popping the cysts as this can lead to inflammation and infection.
Cyst removal requires the extraction of all contents including the sac. This is comfortably done under local anesthesia in the office in a process that involves putting sutures inside and outside of the skin. In average, this process takes 30 minutes and requires minimal down time.
Typically there is no need for analgesics other than acetaminophen (Tylenol) or antibiotics. The use of NSAIDS including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen is strongly discouraged 7 days prior and for the first 3 days post-procedure as it increases the chances of bleeding.
A lipoma is a benign proliferation of fat cells that can occur anywhere on the body. These are different from the cysts in consistency and typically don't have communication with the outside. Lipomas can occur on top of the muscle or under the muscle layer and they can be asymptomatic or can cause discomfort.
Removing them involves making an incision under local anesthesia while attempting to subtract the whole tumor which in some cases might be difficult making the recurrence rate of these benign tumors higher. The use of sutures under and on top of the skin is favored and there is minimal down time. This procedure is comfortably done in the office unless the lipoma is too extensive in which case a referral to a general surgeon is recommended.
Typically there is no need for analgesics other than acetaminophen (Tylenol) or antibiotics. The use of NSAIDS including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen is strongly discouraged 7 days prior and for the first 3 days post-procedure as it increases the chances of bleeding.