Most cyst removals are performed in our fully equipped procedure rooms. The procedure generally involves the steps set out below.
All consultations and surgical procedures are personally performed by Dr Peter Kim.
Why Choose Dr Peter Kim?
Over 20 years of surgical experience
Approximately 1,000 minor surgical procedures performed each year
Published author in cosmetic and dermatological surgery
Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (2009)
Extensive experience treating cysts, lipomas, skin cancers and other skin lesions
Local anaesthetic procedures with minimal downtime
Same-day surgery available for many patients
Careful attention to cosmetic outcome and scar placement
Choosing an experienced surgeon is one of the most important decisions when considering cyst removal. Every patient is personally assessed and treated by Dr Peter Kim.
How Much Does Cyst Removal Cost?
Most cyst removals (out-of-pocket)~$500
For many average-sized cysts, the out-of-pocket cost is approximately $500 after the applicable Medicare rebate. The exact cost depends on the size, location and complexity of the cyst.
Consultation fee$105
Approximate Medicare rebate of $50 for eligible patients.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden surprises. The cost depends on several factors, including the size of the cyst, its location, its complexity and whether pathology is required. After examining the lesion, Dr Peter Kim will provide an individual quotation — a personalised quote will be provided after your consultation.
What Is a Cyst?
A cyst is a sac-like lump that develops beneath the skin. It usually contains keratin, oily material or fluid.
Most skin cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly over many months or years. However, they can gradually enlarge, become inflamed, become infected or rupture.
Common types include:
- Epidermoid cysts (often called sebaceous cysts)
- Pilar cysts (commonly found on the scalp)
- Inclusion cysts
- Dermoid cysts
- Chalazion (eyelid cyst)
Although cysts are generally harmless, not every lump under the skin is a cyst. Occasionally another condition such as a lipoma, enlarged lymph node, salivary gland tumour or skin cancer may appear similar. For this reason, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment.
When Should a Cyst Be Removed?
Not every cyst requires surgery. Many patients simply choose to observe small, symptom-free cysts.
Removal is often recommended if:
- The cyst continues to enlarge
- It repeatedly becomes infected
- It becomes painful
- It interferes with work or daily activities
- It catches on clothing
- It repeatedly bursts and drains
- It is located in a cosmetically sensitive area
- The diagnosis is uncertain
- You would simply like it removed
Some patients seek treatment because they are worried about the lump. A consultation allows Dr Peter Kim to determine whether it is likely to be a cyst and discuss the most appropriate management.
Same-Day Cyst Removal
Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that cyst removal does not usually require hospital admission.
Following assessment, many cysts can be removed during the same visit under local anaesthetic.
Advantages include:
- No hospital stay
- No general anaesthetic
- Minimal downtime
- Return home shortly after surgery
- Usually only one visit required
Whether same-day surgery is appropriate depends on the size, location and nature of the lump.
Clinical Case Studies
The following are genuine patient cases treated by Dr Peter Kim. They are presented for educational purposes to demonstrate the wide variety of cysts encountered in clinical practice. Every patient is different, and treatment recommendations vary depending on the location, size and nature of the lesion.
Cyst removal doesn’t have to be a complicated or intimidating process. The video below shows Dr Peter Kim removing a cyst as a same-day service under local anaesthesia. With the right doctor and the right clinic, the process can be simple, straightforward, and far less daunting than many patients expect going in.
Choosing an experienced, doctor-operated clinic for procedures like this often makes all the difference, turning what feels like a big decision into one patients are glad they made.
Large Cyst on the Head
When a cyst gets to this size, it is difficult to conceal it. Same-day cyst surgery under local anaesthesia.
Forehead Cyst Healing Progress
This is a progress photo of the cyst on the forehead. It was removed under local anaesthesia. The patient returned after one week to have the sutures removed.
Sebaceous Cyst of the Cheek
This patient presented with a slowly enlarging cyst on the cheek that had been present for several years. Although it was painless, the patient became increasingly concerned about its appearance because it was clearly visible in photographs. After clinical assessment, the cyst was removed under local anaesthetic on the same day as the consultation. Care was taken to place the incision within the natural skin lines to achieve the best cosmetic outcome. The patient returned one week later for suture removal and the wound healed well.
Large Groin Cyst Removed as a Same-Day Service
A slow-growing lump can sometimes stay unnoticed for years before it suddenly starts causing discomfort.
This patient had a lump in the groin area that had been gradually growing over the past 5 years. While it eventually stopped increasing in size, it began causing pain, prompting him to finally have it addressed. He was genuinely surprised at just how large it was once it had been removed.
He also asked us to record the procedure so he could show his wife afterwards, who enjoys watching these types of videos. The cyst was completely excised under local anaesthesia as a same-day service, providing prompt relief from the pain it had been causing.
A Rare 12-Month Scar Follow-Up
It’s rare to see a 12-month follow-up photo after cyst surgery, as most patients don’t return once their sutures are removed and healing is complete.
This patient happened to come back to the clinic for an unrelated reason, giving us a rare opportunity to see exactly how the scar had settled a full 12 months after the original cyst removal.
The result shows just how well these incisions can heal over time, with the scar continuing to soften and fade well beyond the initial recovery period.
Six Cysts Removed in One Procedure
This patient presented with six cysts on the back, several of which had become recurrently infected over the years. Some had even been previously treated surgically elsewhere but unfortunately recurred.
All six cysts were successfully removed under local anaesthesia during a single procedure. Where possible, complete removal of the cyst wall is important to help minimise the risk of recurrence.
If you have multiple cysts, they can often be removed during the same appointment, and we are happy to offer discounted treatment when several lesions are treated together.
All patient photos
These are real patient cases involving cyst surgery performed by Dr Peter Kim in our clinic under local anaesthesia. These cases are presented for educational purposes only and are not intended to be promotional. Individual clinical circumstances, management decisions, and outcomes may vary.
Genital-Area Cases
The following cases involve cysts and similar lesions in the genital area. The photos are blurred until you choose to view them.
All patient photos
These are real patient cases involving cyst surgery performed by Dr Peter Kim in our clinic under local anaesthesia. These cases are presented for educational purposes only and are not intended to be promotional. Individual clinical circumstances, management decisions, and outcomes may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens During the Procedure?
Step by step
1
Consultation – The lump is examined and your treatment options discussed.
2
Local Anaesthetic – The skin is numbed using local anaesthetic. Most patients describe only brief stinging for a few seconds.
3
Removal – A carefully planned incision is made. Where possible, the entire cyst together with its lining is removed to reduce the chance of recurrence.
4
Wound Closure – The wound is carefully closed using fine sutures. In many cases, deep dissolving sutures are used beneath the skin together with fine skin sutures to optimise healing and cosmetic outcome.
5
Return Home – Patients usually return home shortly after the procedure.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
Many cyst removals take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on:
- Size
- Location
- Previous infection
- Whether the cyst has ruptured
- Complexity
Smaller cysts may be removed even more quickly, while larger or inflamed cysts can require additional time.
Recovery After Cyst Removal
Recovery is usually straightforward.
You may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Tightness around the wound
These symptoms usually improve over several days.
Most patients can return to office work within one or two days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided until advised.
Detailed wound care instructions will be provided before you leave the clinic.
Will There Be a Scar?
Any operation involving an incision leaves a scar.
Our aim is to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome by:
- Planning the incision carefully
- Removing the cyst completely where possible
- Closing the wound in multiple layers when appropriate
- Providing scar care advice during healing
Most scars gradually soften and become less noticeable over the following months.
Risks of Cyst Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks.
Potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Wound separation
- Delayed healing
- Recurrence
- Temporary numbness
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring in susceptible individuals
These risks will be discussed during your consultation.
Every Patient Is Different
No two cysts are exactly alike.
Treatment depends on many factors including:
- The location of the lesion
- Its size
- Whether it has previously ruptured
- Previous infections
- Previous surgery
- Cosmetic considerations
- General health
- Patient preferences
During your consultation, Dr Peter Kim will discuss the most appropriate management for your individual situation and explain the expected benefits, limitations and risks of treatment.
Infected Cysts
One of the most common reasons patients seek treatment is because a previously harmless cyst has become infected.
An infected cyst may become:
- Red
- Swollen
- Painful
- Warm to touch
- Filled with pus
- Associated with an unpleasant odour
- Difficult to sleep on or wear clothing over
Sometimes the infection progresses into an abscess, where pus becomes trapped beneath the skin.
When this occurs, the immediate priority is to treat the infection rather than remove the cyst.
Treatment may involve:
- Oral antibiotics
- Incision and drainage of the abscess
- Regular dressings
- Delayed surgical removal of the cyst once inflammation has settled
Removing an actively infected cyst is usually more difficult because inflammation makes it harder to identify the cyst wall. This increases the chance that part of the lining may remain, resulting in recurrence.
For this reason, many infected cysts are treated in two stages:
- Control the infection.
- Remove the entire cyst several weeks later after healing.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Not every patient wishes to undergo surgery. Depending on the type, size and location of the cyst, non-surgical treatment may sometimes be considered.
One option is a corticosteroid injection. The injection aims to reduce inflammation and shrink the cyst.
Potential advantages include:
- No surgical incision
- Minimal scarring
- Quick procedure
- Little downtime
However, injections have limitations. They do not remove the cyst wall. For this reason:
- Some cysts respond well.
- Others show little improvement.
- Some become smaller initially before returning months later.
Patients should understand that surgery may still be required if symptoms persist. The most appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient and will be discussed during consultation.
Is There an Alternative to Surgery?
In some patients, particularly those with multiple cysts, a corticosteroid injection may be considered as an alternative to surgery. When administered correctly using the appropriate injection technique, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and shrink the cyst. This approach requires experience and precise technique to maximise effectiveness and minimise complications. In selected patients, it may help avoid the need for immediate surgical treatment.
However, steroid injections are not suitable for every cyst and are not always successful. They do not remove the cyst wall, so recurrence remains possible. For persistent, recurrent, enlarging, or symptomatic cysts, complete surgical removal of the cyst and its lining remains the most effective treatment and offers the lowest risk of recurrence.
Can Cysts Disappear Without Treatment?
Most true epidermoid or sebaceous cysts do not disappear permanently.
Sometimes the contents of the cyst drain through a small opening in the skin. Although the lump may temporarily become smaller, the cyst lining usually remains underneath the skin. Over time, the cyst often fills again and returns.
This is one of the most common reasons patients experience repeated swelling over many years.
Why Do Cysts Keep Coming Back?
Many patients ask why their cyst keeps recurring despite squeezing it or having it drained previously.
The reason is simple. A cyst consists of:
- the contents (keratin or oily material)
- the cyst wall (capsule)
If only the contents are removed, the remaining capsule continues producing keratin and the cyst gradually reforms.
For this reason, complete surgical excision of the cyst wall offers the lowest risk of recurrence whenever appropriate.
What Happens If a Cyst Bursts?
Some cysts rupture spontaneously.
When this happens, the contents leak into the surrounding tissues, causing inflammation.
Patients often notice:
- Sudden pain
- Rapid swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Discharge of thick white or yellow material
Although the cyst may temporarily become smaller after bursting, the remaining cyst lining frequently continues producing keratin, allowing the cyst to recur.
Repeated squeezing or puncturing usually does not solve the problem permanently.
Can Antibiotics Cure a Cyst?
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infection. They do not remove the cyst itself.
If the infection settles, the lump often remains because the cyst wall is still present beneath the skin.
Many patients have already completed several courses of antibiotics before attending our clinic.
If symptoms continue to recur, surgical removal of the cyst wall may be recommended.
Is Ultrasound Necessary?
Not every cyst requires an ultrasound.
Many cysts have a typical appearance and can be diagnosed during clinical examination.
However, imaging may be recommended if:
- The diagnosis is uncertain
- The lump is unusually large
- It is located near important structures
- Previous surgery has failed
- The lesion has unusual features
- Another diagnosis needs to be excluded
Ultrasound can help determine:
- Whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled
- Its size
- Its depth
- Its relationship to nearby structures
Occasionally, ultrasound findings suggest that the lump is not actually a cyst.
This is one reason why assessment by an experienced clinician is important.
Is Every Lump a Cyst?
No. Many different conditions can resemble a cyst.
These include:
- Lipoma
- Enlarged lymph node
- Pilomatrixoma
- Salivary gland tumour
- Branchial cyst
- Ganglion cyst
- Skin cancer
- Dermatofibroma
- Calcinosis cutis
For this reason, every lump should be assessed individually.
Occasionally patients attend expecting cyst removal, but assessment suggests an alternative diagnosis requiring different treatment.
Will My Cyst Be Sent for Pathology?
In many cases, the removed tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory.
The pathologist examines the specimen under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Most cysts are confirmed as benign epidermoid or pilar cysts.
Although uncommon, pathology occasionally identifies another condition that requires further treatment.
This provides reassurance that the diagnosis is correct and ensures appropriate follow-up if necessary.
Does Every Cyst Need Surgery?
No. Some cysts can simply be observed, or some cysts can be treated with injection. Injection is recommended for multiple small cysts in the face or in other cosmetically sensitive areas.
Surgery is usually recommended only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Observation may be appropriate if the cyst is:
- Small
- Stable
- Painless
- Not infected
- Not causing cosmetic concern
Many patients simply want reassurance that the lump is benign.
Can Cysts Become Cancer?
Most epidermoid and pilar cysts are completely benign.
Cancer developing within a cyst is extremely uncommon.
However, not every lump beneath the skin is actually a cyst.
If a lump behaves unusually—for example:
- Rapid growth
- Persistent ulceration
- Recurrent bleeding
- Firm fixation
- Irregular borders
further investigation may be recommended.
Clinical examination remains the most important step in determining appropriate management.
Is cyst removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.
Most patients experience only brief discomfort while the anaesthetic is administered.
Once the area is numb, surgery is usually well tolerated.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Most patients can drive themselves home following a simple cyst removal performed under local anaesthetic.
If the cyst is in a difficult location or a larger procedure has been performed, someone accompanying you may be preferable.
Can I shower?
In most cases, yes.
Specific instructions depend on the location of the wound and dressing used.
When are the stitches removed?
Most skin sutures are removed between 7 and 14 days.
This varies according to the body site.
Can I exercise?
Light activities are usually acceptable.
Heavy lifting, contact sports and vigorous exercise should be avoided until advised.
Will I have a dressing?
Yes. A dressing is usually applied immediately after surgery, except in areas where a dressing cannot be applied, such as hair-bearing skin like the scalp and genital areas.
Instructions regarding dressing changes will be provided — see also our wound care instructions after skin surgery.
Can children have cyst removal?
Some cysts in children can be removed under local anaesthetic depending on age, location and cooperation.
This will be assessed during consultation.
Can multiple cysts be removed at the same visit?
Yes. Many patients have several cysts removed during the same procedure.
The number depends on the size, location and expected operating time.
Can I fly after surgery?
Most patients are able to travel shortly after uncomplicated surgery.
If you are planning overseas travel, please discuss this during your consultation so surgery can be scheduled appropriately.
Related Conditions We Treat
Patients searching for cyst removal are often interested in other minor surgical procedures.
Dr Peter Kim also performs treatment for:
- Lipoma removal
- Mole removal
- Skin cancer surgery
- Skin lesion excision
- Earlobe repair
- Keloid scar treatment
- Xanthelasma removal
- Minor skin surgery under local anaesthetic
During your consultation, all suitable treatment options can be discussed.
Book a consultation
If you have a lump that you believe may be a cyst, Dr Peter Kim can assess the lesion and discuss whether observation, non-surgical treatment or surgical removal is the most appropriate option. Many suitable patients can have their cyst removed on the same day under local anaesthetic.
Appointments: phone (02) 9411 4880 or SMS 0433 284 880, or email peter@peterkim.com.au.
Clinics: Chatswood (4/9 Railway Street) & Cabramatta (227 Railway Parade), Sydney.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Important information: This information is general in nature and does not replace a medical consultation. All procedures carry risks and suitability must be assessed individually.