The difference between Surgical Cyst Removal and Incision and Drainage of Infected Cyst

With regards to cyst treatment, we often hear the terms Surgical Removal and Incision and Drainage. But what do they mean and how do I know which treatment is best for me?

Cyst treatment is curated in accordance with the state of the cyst. In other words, there are different treatments for infected and non-infected cysts. For infected cysts, the treatment is called incision and drainage, and for non-infected cysts, the treatment is surgical cyst removal.

Infected cysts: Incision and Drainage
Cysts located in areas that are prone to friction or minor trauma, are at risk of developing infection. Severe or untreated infections can result in the formation of abscess. Abscess is an infection, characterised as a confined painful collection of pus, surrounded by inflamed tissue.

Infection to a sebaceous cyst is usually due to a bacterial infection. If caught early, a course of antibiotics may be enough to treat the infection, preventing abscess development. However, in most cases, when abscess has developed, an incision and drainage procedure is required.

Incision and drainage procedure is performed to treat abscess of cysts. It is performed under local anaesthetic, where an incision is made over the abscess to release and drain the pus, with minimal scarring. Once drained, the cavity is internally cleaned in attempts to eradicate as much infection as possible.

An incision and drainage procedure can take up to 45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the cyst. As it is performed under local anaesthetic, you can go home after the procedure and return to your normal activities. It is however advised to keep the wound dry for quick and effective healing.

It is also important to note that, when infected, the skin PH changes and the local anaesthetic does not work as well. Incision and drainage procedures are usually uncomfortable for the patient, hence it is always best to remove the cyst before it gets infected.

In rare cases – typically larger cysts – the now emptied wound is packed to prevent abscess reoccurring and allows for further drainage of infection. However, with smaller cysts, wound packing is not always necessary. Wound packing allows for the wound to heal by secondary intention, which means the wound heals from the inside out.

Non-infected Cysts: Surgical Cyst Removal
Skin cysts can be divided into Sebaceous Cysts and Epidermoid Cysts. Sebaceous cysts are typically filled with sebum, an oily and waxy substance secreted by sebaceous glands functioning to coat and protect the skin. Whereas an Epidermoid cyst is usually filled with a white substance called keratin: a protein involved in skin strength and flexibility.

Sebaceous and Epidermoid cysts have cystic sacs, in which sebum and keratin reside in respectively. Surgical Cyst Removal involves the removal of the entire cystic sac. By removing the sac in whole, the chances of the cyst recurring are low. Incomplete removal of the cyst sac allows for the sac to reform and refill, hence why you should not try to pop your cyst.

Surgical Cyst Removal is also performed under local anaesthetic – duration up to 45 minutes. A small incision is made to the cyst to ensure minimal scarring. Once the entire sac is removed, the small scar is closed using non-dissolvable sutures and covered with a plaster.

Summary
Active infections increase the complexity of treatment. Complete surgical removal is not achievable on infected cysts. Instead, incision and drainage is performed. Cysts that are not infected can undergo Surgical Cyst Removal, a quick and simple surgery with minimal scarring.

An Outlook on Cyst Removal

Cysts are described as encapsulated sac-like pockets of tissue, typically containing sebum, keratin, bacteria, fluid, or other material. Cysts are typically benign and prevalent to grow anywhere in your body or under the skin. At LipomaCyst, we specialise in the treatment of cyst removal from the skin.

Cysts appears as a smooth, skin-coloured bump on your skin. Its size can range from as small as a pea, to as large as a grapefruit. In most cases, pimples or other spots rarely grow past the size of a pea.

Cysts are not your common pimple, as they sit below the skin layer. Whilst some pimples may sting, cysts however are painless up to the point when they get infected. In instances of infection, cysts may be painful, red and tender and are much more difficult to remove completely.

Cyst Treatment at LipomaCyst

• Epidermoid Cyst

An epidermoid cyst is a slow-growing cyst, commonly present on the face, head, neck, back or genitals. Epidermoid cyst growth is a result of keratin build-up under the skin. Keratin is a protein, naturally residing in the skin, playing a key role in skin health, strength and flexibility. Epidermoid cysts are small, but when infected, they can become swollen, red or painful. This Makes cyst removal more complicated.

• Sebaceous Cyst

Sebaceous cysts are typically found on the neck, face or torso. Sebaceous cyst growth is mainly due to trauma or damage upon sebaceous glands that are present throughout your body. Sebaceous cysts differ from epidermoid cysts as these are usually filled with sebum: an oily, waxy substance secreted by sebaceous glands, functioning to coat and protect the skin. Sebaceous cysts can become very large and at times may be disruptive and get infected.

• Pilar Cyst

Pilar cysts are round skin-coloured bumps that develop on the scalp. Unlike Epidermoid and Sebaceous Cysts, Pilar cyst growth is a result of protein build-up in the hair follicles. Pilar cysts are usually painless, firm and smooth, but may be uncomfortable at touch when infected. If grown out of proportions, the hair follicles around the pilar cyst can fall and cause a bald patch.

Infected Cysts

Cysts can become infected for a number of reasons, one being frequent picking and touching of the cyst. Therefore, you should never try to squeeze or pop a cyst yourself at home, as it would be impossible to fully remove it.

Infected cysts are red due to inflammation. When bacteria gets inside the cyst, it starts to feed on the other components, creating a massive reservoir of puss and debris. If your cyst becomes infected, it is best to see your doctor, as it can pose serious health risks.

Cyst Treatment Available at LipomaCyst

At LipomaCyst, treatment plans are carefully curated for cyst removal, with regards to their current state.

Most cysts are removed on the same day as your initial consultation, however large complex cysts may need further investigation.

• Surgical Removal of Cysts

At LipomaCyst, Surgical Cyst Removal has proven to be the most effective treatment. Surgical removal of cysts is performed under local anaesthetic, where our lead expert creates a small incision upon the cyst, as opposed to circling around it for minimal scarring and quick healing.

Surgical removal includes removing the entire sac, ensuring no remnants are left. Complete cyst-sac removal limits the small possibility of cyst regrowth. The minimal incision is then closed with sutures.

• Incision and Drainage of Infected Cysts

In cases of active infections of cysts, complete excision is rarely possible. An initial incision and drainage may be advised, with a potential for reoccurrence in the future. The process of incision and drainage under local anaesthetic means a small incision is made to the cyst, where it is slightly squeezed of all material and emptied. Once maximal drainage is achieved, the wound is internally cleaned and closed in a way that allows for further natural drainage to occur if needed.

Summary

Cysts are commonly closed sac-like pockets, displaying as smooth bumps on the skin. They are usually harmless and benign, but can become infected. If you wish to get rid of your cysts, you may consider getting them surgically removed before this happens.

Get in touch with our team to enquire now.

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