Dermal Cyst Excision

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about dermal cyst excision:

A dermal cyst excision is a procedure to remove a cyst that has grown under your skin.

How to prepare for dermal cyst excision:

Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
Tell your provider if you have any allergies. Tell him or her if you had an allergic reaction to any medicine or anesthesia.
You may need blood tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI. Tell your provider if you had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious damage. Tell your provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

What will happen during dermal cyst excision:

An incision will be made on or around your cyst. Your healthcare provider will use his or her fingers to push the fluid out of the cyst. He or she will then use a tool to remove the rest of the cyst sac. If your cyst is infected, he or she may drain it first and then remove it completely another time.
The incision may be closed with stitches or left open to heal. A bandage will be placed over your incision to keep it clean and dry, and to prevent infection.

What to expect after dermal cyst removal:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Medicines may be given to prevent or treat pain, a bacterial infection, or swelling.

Risks of dermal cyst removal:

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. A scar may develop as the incision heals. The scar may become large and raised. Your stitches may come apart. Blood may build up in the incision area and cause a large, swollen bruise. The nerves near your incision may be damaged.

Seek care immediately if:

You have severe pain.
Your stitches come apart.
Blood soaks through your bandage.
You have bruises that do not go away.
The skin around your incision area is numb longer than you were told it should be.

Call your doctor if:

You have a fever.
You have worse pain, even after you take medicine.
You have a new cyst.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Antibiotics help prevent or fight a bacterial infection .
Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your procedure area:

Your healthcare provider will tell you how long to leave the outer bandage over the area. He or she will show you how to change the packing, if needed.

Wash your hands before and after you touch or clean the area.
Keep the area clean as directed. You may be told to wash the area. Your healthcare provider will tell you what to use to clean it. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Check for signs of infection , such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Change the packing or bandages as directed. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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