Sebaceous Cyst Removal in Bristol
Sebaceous Cyst Removal in Bristol
Sebaceous Cyst Removal — Clean Excision, Minimal Scarring
Sebaceous cysts are firm, round lumps that develop beneath the skin when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, chest, and back. Left alone, they often grow slowly and can become infected or inflamed. At The Lagom Clinic, sebaceous cyst removal is carried out by Mr Alex Trevatt, a plastic surgeon, or by Dr Jack Ogden — ensuring complete excision and careful cosmetic closure.
We operate a one-stop model: you come straight in for your surgery — no separate GP consultation needed. If you’d like us to assess your cyst first, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll confirm the approach and price.
How sebaceous cyst removal works
Sebaceous cyst removal is a straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The surgeon makes a small incision over the cyst and carefully dissects it from the surrounding tissue, removing the entire cyst wall intact. This complete excision is critical — if any of the cyst wall is left behind, the cyst is likely to recur. The wound is then closed with sutures.
- Use our online booking portal or call our office to book your surgery slot.
- Select ‘Minor Surgery Simple Lesions’ for cysts under 2cm that are not on the face, or ‘Minor Surgery Complex Lesions’ for larger cysts, facial cysts, or recurring cysts.
- Email a photo of the cyst to info@thelagom.co.uk beforehand so we can plan the procedure and confirm pricing.
Most sebaceous cyst removals take between 20 and 45 minutes. You walk in and walk out on the same day.
On the day of your appointment
When you arrive, the surgeon will examine your cyst, discuss the procedure, and ask you to sign a consent form. The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic — you won’t feel pain, though you may feel some pressure during the removal.
The cyst is removed along with its complete capsule wall to prevent recurrence. For cysts on the face or other visible areas, Mr Trevatt uses advanced closure techniques to minimise scarring. We’ll apply a dressing and give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave.
If pathology is recommended, the tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory. Results are typically available within 10–14 days, and we’ll contact you to discuss the findings.
Sebaceous cyst removal pricing
Sebaceous Cyst Removal Fees
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Simple Sebaceous Cyst Removal £650
For cysts under 2cm that are not on the face or previously operated sites. Includes the consultation, complete excision under local anaesthetic, closure, and follow-up stitch removal.
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Complex Sebaceous Cyst Removal £900
For cysts over 2cm, on the face or neck, recurring cysts, or previously operated sites. Requires more careful dissection and cosmetic closure. Same walk-in, walk-out convenience.
Other Fees
Pathology
£195 — We recommend pathology when the cyst has unusual features, has been present for a long time, or if there’s any diagnostic uncertainty. The tissue is examined by an accredited laboratory to confirm it’s a sebaceous cyst and rule out other conditions.
Follow Up
All follow-up is included in the price. If you need to return for stitch removal or a wound check, there is no additional charge.
What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst forms when a sebaceous (oil-producing) gland in the skin becomes blocked. The gland continues producing sebum, which accumulates in a sac beneath the skin. The result is a firm, round, sometimes yellowish lump that can range from pea-sized to several centimetres across. They’re benign but won’t go away on their own — and they tend to grow slowly over time.
Sebaceous Cysts vs Epidermoid Cysts
The terms are often used interchangeably, but true sebaceous cysts (steatocystomas) are relatively rare. Most “sebaceous cysts” are actually epidermoid cysts filled with keratin rather than sebum. The distinction matters medically but not practically — the removal technique is the same for both, and we’ll confirm the type through pathology if needed.
Infected Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts can become red, swollen, and painful if they rupture internally or become infected. An acutely infected cyst may need draining first, with definitive removal once the inflammation has settled — removing a cyst while it’s actively infected increases the risk of incomplete excision and recurrence. If your cyst is currently inflamed, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll advise on timing.
Recurring Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts recur when part of the cyst wall is left behind during removal — the remaining cells continue producing material and the cyst reforms. This is why complete excision of the entire capsule is essential. If you’ve had a cyst removed elsewhere and it has come back, we can perform a definitive removal. Previously operated cysts are classified as complex due to scar tissue from earlier procedures.
When to Have a Sebaceous Cyst Removed
Consider removal if your cyst is growing, painful, has become infected, is in a visible location, keeps catching on clothing or jewellery, or simply bothers you. Sebaceous cysts don’t resolve on their own — squeezing or piercing them at home can cause infection and scarring. Professional removal is quick, clean, and gives you a definitive result.
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FAQs
What is a sebaceous cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is a firm, round lump that forms beneath the skin when a sebaceous (oil-producing) gland becomes blocked. They’re filled with a thick, oily material and are almost always benign. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, chest, and back.
How much does sebaceous cyst removal cost?
Simple removal (cysts under 2cm, not on the face) costs £650. Complex removal (over 2cm, on the face or neck, or recurring cysts) costs £900. Pathology, if recommended, is an additional £195. All prices include the consultation, procedure, and follow-up appointments.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. We operate a one-stop model — you come straight in for your surgery. No GP referral or separate consultation is needed. If you’d like us to assess your cyst first, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll confirm the approach and price.
Is the removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area completely. You won’t feel pain during the removal, though you may feel some pressure. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers.
Will the cyst come back after removal?
When the entire cyst wall is removed — which is our standard approach — recurrence is very unlikely. Cysts recur when part of the capsule is left behind. If you’ve had a cyst removed elsewhere and it’s come back, we can perform a complete excision to resolve it.
Will the removal leave a scar?
Any incision leaves some scarring, but the scar is typically much smaller and neater than the cyst itself. For cysts in visible areas, Mr Trevatt uses plastic surgery closure techniques to minimise scarring. Most scars fade significantly over 6–12 months.
Can I squeeze or drain the cyst myself?
We strongly advise against this. Squeezing a sebaceous cyst can push its contents deeper into the tissue, cause infection, and lead to scarring. Even if some material comes out, the cyst wall remains and the cyst will refill. Professional surgical removal is the only way to prevent recurrence.
How long does the procedure take?
Most sebaceous cyst removals take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the size and location. You walk in and walk out on the same day. We’ll provide aftercare instructions and book your follow-up before you leave.
Can you remove an infected cyst?
If the cyst is acutely inflamed or infected, we may need to drain it first and prescribe antibiotics. Definitive removal is best performed once the inflammation has settled — usually 4–6 weeks later. This approach gives the best chance of complete removal with minimal scarring.
Can I drive after the procedure?
In most cases, yes. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and you’ll be fully alert. If the cyst was in a location that affects driving, your doctor will advise before you leave.
When can I return to work?
Most people return to work the same day or the next day. Avoid strenuous exercise and keep the wound clean and dry as instructed. For larger removals or physically demanding jobs, you may want a day or two off.
Is a sebaceous cyst the same as an epidermoid cyst?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re technically different. True sebaceous cysts contain oily sebum, while epidermoid cysts contain keratin. Most lumps people call sebaceous cysts are actually epidermoid cysts. The distinction is mainly academic — the removal technique and outcome are the same for both.
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