What is the best treatment for a sebaceous cyst?
Depending on the size of the sebaceous cyst, there are many different options for treatment. The cyst may need to be surgically excised or drained depending on the severity of the cyst. In dermatology, most cysts that are removed are done so because of their cosmetic appearance or because of discomfort. A board certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, will discuss the best treatment available to remove your cyst, based upon her clinical evaluation. Some sebaceous cysts which are quite large or on the face, may require a plastic surgery for cyst removal. The treatment options for cyst removal depends on the anatomic location of the cyst, its size, and whether or not the cyst is already infected. Dr. Green will guide your treatment to provide the best aesthetic as well as medical outcome.
Sebaceous cyst can be removed using the following techniques:
- Incision and drainage – If the cyst is infected, the sebaceous cyst needs to be drained and the infected cyst contents are cultured for antibiotic sensitivity. Oral antibiotics are then given to the patient to treat the infection, which allows the wound to heal. This technique is necessary when the cyst is infected and the possibility of removing the entire cyst may not be possible at the time.
- Intralesional injection with cortisone – Inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a steroid solution into the cyst. In a small cyst, the steroid will reduce the inflammation and allow the sebaceous cyst to shrink.
- Minimal excision technique – Removing the cyst with the probability of recurrence and minimal scarring. This technique does not always guarantee that the entire cyst wall is removed.
- Conventional wide excision- This procedure will completely remove all contents of the cyst including the cyst wall but scarring is inevitable. The area is anesthetized with local anesthesia prior to the surgery. The cyst and its contents, including the entire cyst wall, are removed to prevent any recurrence of the sebaceous cyst.
- After a cyst is removed, Dr. Green prescribes an oral and topical antibiotics for ten days or until the wound is completely healed. Dr. Green also may recommend the VBeam laser to treat any residual redness or scarring.
