Cyst and growth removal

Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed September 25, 2026.

Cysts and lipomas are common lumps under the skin. Most are benign, but a new, enlarging, painful, deep or firm lump needs evaluation. Cysts can become inflamed or infected.

Epidermoid cysts are round bumps under the skin, often with a small dark opening. They can fill with a thick, cheesy material and sometimes become inflamed.
Pilar cysts are smooth, firm bumps, usually on the scalp.
Lipomas are soft, rubbery lumps of fat that move under the skin.

How we remove them

The area is numbed and the growth is removed through a small incision, then the skin is closed with stitches. Removing the whole cyst wall lowers the chance it comes back. Inflamed cysts may first be treated with an injection or drained, and removed once they calm down.

Cyst drainage

A swollen, painful or infected cyst can be opened and drained in the office. We numb the area, make a small opening and release the contents to ease the pressure and pain. Drainage leaves the cyst wall behind, so a drained cyst can fill again. Once it calms down, we can remove it completely.

After your procedure

Keep the area clean and covered as instructed. Stitches are usually removed in 1 to 2 weeks. We send the tissue to the lab when needed.

Where it is offered

Offered at all of our offices.

Q&A

Can I pop a cyst?

We do not recommend it. Squeezing a cyst can cause infection and scarring and does not remove the cyst wall, so it comes back.

Can a cyst be drained instead of removed?

Yes. Draining an inflamed cyst relieves pain quickly, but the cyst often comes back because the wall stays. We usually recommend removing it once the inflammation settles.

Is removal covered by insurance?

Removal is often covered when a growth is painful, inflamed or growing. Removal only for appearance usually is not.