Dermal Cyst Excision
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
A dermal cyst excision is a procedure to remove a cyst that has grown under your skin.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your procedure:
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop.
- Tell your provider about all your allergies. Tell him or her if you had an allergic reaction to local anesthesia or antibiotics.
- 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.
- Your provider will tell you if you need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure, and when to stop.
The day of your procedure:
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Take only the medicines your healthcare provider told you to take.
- An IV may be placed in a vein. You may be given liquids or medicine through the IV.
- Local anesthesia is a shot of medicine put into the skin near your cyst. It is used to numb the area and dull the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
- 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.
After your procedure:
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.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You have a fever.
- You get a cold or the flu.
- You have questions or concerns about your procedure.
Risks
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.
Care Agreement
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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
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