Cyst Removal

That Lump Under Your Skin Is Not Something You Have to Live With

You've noticed a soft, round bump under your skin that's been there for weeks, maybe months. It might be tender. It might be growing slowly. It might just bother you every time you catch it in the mirror. If that sounds familiar, you're likely dealing with a cyst, and you're not alone. Cysts are one of the most common reasons patients visit a dermatologist, and they're almost always very treatable.

In South Florida's heat and humidity, cysts can become irritated, inflamed, or prone to infection more quickly than in cooler climates. That's reason enough to have one evaluated sooner rather than later. At Dermatology Experts, we remove cysts safely and thoroughly in-office, with minimal downtime and no hospital stay required.

What Is a Cyst?

A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can fill with fluid, pus, or other material. Most cysts found on the skin are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but they don't go away on their own without treatment. In fact, a cyst that is drained without removing the sac has a high likelihood of returning.

The most common types of skin cysts include:

• Epidermoid cysts — the most common type, often found on the face, neck, back, or chest, formed when skin cells multiply beneath the surface
• Pilar cysts — typically found on the scalp, arising from the hair follicle
• Sebaceous cysts — often used as a general term for cysts that form near sebaceous (oil) glands
• Ganglion cysts — fluid-filled cysts that typically develop along tendons or joints, often on the wrist or hand
• Inflamed or infected cysts — cysts that have become red, warm, painful, or have begun to drain

During your appointment, Dr. Ayar will examine the cyst, confirm what type it is, and determine the right approach. In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to rule out anything more serious, especially if the growth has unusual characteristics.

What to Expect During Cyst Removal

Cyst removal is a routine in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how simple and quick the experience is. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

• Consultation and evaluation: Dr. Ayar will examine the cyst, review your medical history, and confirm a treatment plan. If the cyst is actively inflamed or infected, treatment may begin with antibiotics or a drainage procedure first
• Local anesthesia: The area around the cyst is numbed using a local anesthetic. Most patients feel a brief sting during the injection and nothing significant after that
• Excision: A small incision is made, and the entire cyst sac is carefully removed. Removing the sac is critical to preventing the cyst from coming back
• Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, which are typically removed within one to two weeks
• Procedure length: Most cyst removals take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the cyst
• Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the following day. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may need to be avoided for one to two weeks

If you have a cyst that is inflamed or has recently ruptured, it may not be possible to perform complete excision right away. In those cases, Dr. Ayar may recommend a staged approach to achieve the best outcome with the lowest risk of scarring or recurrence.

What Results Can You Expect?

When a cyst is fully excised, including the entire sac wall, recurrence rates are low. Many patients find that a cyst they have been watching for months or years is completely resolved after a single in-office visit.

• Swelling and tenderness in the treated area typically subside within one to two weeks
• The incision site will heal over several weeks and may appear pink or slightly raised initially
• Scarring is generally minimal when the procedure is performed carefully; the scar left behind is usually smaller than the cyst itself
• Final cosmetic appearance continues to improve for several months as the skin heals and remodels
• Recurrence is uncommon when the cyst sac is fully removed, though incomplete removal or inflammation at the time of surgery can increase that risk

Dr. Ayar takes care to close incisions with precision, with an eye toward the best possible cosmetic result alongside complete removal. If the cyst is located in a cosmetically sensitive area such as the face or neck, that will be discussed during your consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cyst Removal?

Cyst removal is appropriate for a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate if:

• You have a cyst that is growing in size or becoming more noticeable
• The cyst has become painful, tender, or inflamed
• The cyst has ruptured or drained before and has returned
• The cyst is located in an area where it is being repeatedly irritated, such as under a bra strap, collar, or waistband
• The cyst bothers you aesthetically, particularly on the face, scalp, or neck
• You want a medical evaluation to confirm the growth is benign before deciding on treatment
• You have had a cyst drained elsewhere and it has returned, which is common when the sac is not removed

Patients of all ages, including teenagers and older adults, can safely undergo cyst removal. During your consultation, Dr. Ayar will evaluate whether the timing and approach are right for your specific situation, particularly if the cyst is currently infected or inflamed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyst Removal

Does cyst removal hurt?

Most patients find the procedure much more comfortable than they expected. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You may feel some pressure or movement during the excision, but significant pain during the procedure is uncommon. After the anesthetic wears off, mild soreness or tenderness at the site is normal and can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Will the cyst come back after removal?

When the entire cyst sac is successfully removed during excision, recurrence rates are low. The most common reason a cyst returns is that the sac was not fully removed, which can happen if the cyst was inflamed or ruptured at the time of treatment. Dr. Ayar focuses on complete excision to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and will discuss the approach that gives you the best long-term result.

How long does the procedure take, and can I drive home afterward?

Most cyst removals are completed within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cyst. Because only local anesthesia is used, you will be awake throughout the procedure and can typically drive yourself home. You are usually free to return to desk work or light activity the same day, though you should follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Ayar.

Is cyst removal covered by insurance, and is it HSA or FSA eligible?

Cyst removal is often considered a medically necessary procedure, particularly when a cyst is painful, infected, or has a concerning appearance, and may be covered by insurance depending on your plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm your coverage. If you are paying out of pocket, cyst removal is generally eligible for payment using HSA or FSA funds. Our team can help answer billing questions when you call to schedule.

Should I be worried that a cyst could be something more serious?

Most skin cysts are benign, but it is always a good idea to have any new or changing growth evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Ayar will examine the cyst carefully during your appointment. If anything about the appearance raises concern, he may recommend sending the tissue to a pathology lab after removal to confirm the diagnosis. This is a routine precaution and gives you and your doctor peace of mind.

Why Choose Dermatology Experts for Cyst Removal in South Florida?

There are many places you can have a cyst looked at. What makes Dermatology Experts different is the combination of surgical precision, genuine warmth, and the kind of clinical depth that comes from elite training in one of the most rigorous dermatology programs in the country.

Dr. Angelo Ayar completed his dermatology residency at the University of Michigan, a nationally recognized program known for its emphasis on surgical and medical dermatology. His background includes specialized training in skin cancer, Mohs surgery, and dermatologic surgery, which means he brings the same level of care and precision to a cyst removal that he brings to more complex procedures.

• Board-certified dermatologist with advanced surgical training, not a general practitioner or urgent care provider
• Three convenient South Florida locations in Miami, Parkland, and Tamarac, serving patients across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties
• Same-day appointments available for patients who need to be seen quickly, particularly if a cyst is inflamed or causing pain
• Full-spectrum dermatology under one roof, so if the cyst has any unusual features, Dr. Ayar can address them without sending you elsewhere
• Over 500 five-star patient reviews reflecting a team that patients consistently describe as warm, attentive, and reassuring
• HSA and FSA accepted for qualified procedures

Patients across South Florida choose Dermatology Experts because they want the confidence of seeing a specialist who truly knows what they are doing, without feeling like a number on a clipboard. From the moment you walk in, the goal is for you to feel exactly what so many patients describe: seen, heard, and in good hands.

Ready to Have That Cyst Looked At? Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have a cyst that is growing, painful, or simply something you are ready to take care of, Dr. Ayar and the team at Dermatology Experts are here to help. Cyst removal is one of the most straightforward procedures we perform, and many patients leave the same day feeling relieved they finally came in.

Call us at (954) 726-2000 to schedule your appointment. Same-day appointments may be available, and we welcome patients from across South Florida including Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and the surrounding communities. HSA and FSA payment is accepted for qualifying procedures. We look forward to helping you.