Let’s Review Your Cyst Removal Options

If you’re living with a cyst, resist the urge to try to pop or remove it yourself. Doing so can cause a number of issues, from infection to permanent scarring. The last thing you want is a long-term reminder of that lump under your skin.

Instead, come see Ali Hendi, MD, and Kristina Lim, DO, at Dr. Hendi & Associates in Chevy Chase, Maryland. We offer cyst removal to residents throughout the greater Washington, DC, area, northern Virginia, and the eastern shore of Maryland. 

In most cases, removing a cyst is a quick process. The exact steps depend on the right removal option for you, so let’s review your choices.

Option 1: Drain the cyst

Cysts develop because something gets trapped under your skin. Often, that material is fluid or keratin, depending on the type of cyst. Allowing that trapped material to drain can reduce or eliminate the cyst.

We can drain your cyst by puncturing it with a sterile needle or creating a tiny incision. This creates a small hole, enough for the fluid to escape but not so large that you need to worry about scarring. 

Just as importantly, because we perform this draining in the sterile medical environment of our office, your risk of infection is low. 

Draining your cyst does come with one risk, though: It could grow back. But because it’s a quick and easy way to safely remove the cyst, you might choose drainage as a first-line treatment. If the cyst returns, you can always scale up to option two: surgical removal. 

Option 2: Surgically remove the cyst

If your cyst comes back or it’s too large or solid to drain, we also offer surgical cyst removal. 

First, we apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. Our goal is to keep you completely comfortable throughout the procedure.

Then, we make a tiny incision to remove your cyst. This option provides more lasting results because it allows us to remove both the fluid and the sac surrounding the cyst. 

Depending on the size of your cyst, you may need stitches to close the incision. We make strategic decisions to minimize any scarring from your procedure. 

After we bandage the area, we give you care instructions before we send you home. Your main priority should be keeping the area clean and dry. 

Recovery from surgical cyst removal depends on its size. If it was small and you didn’t need stitches, you’ll probably heal within about a week. If we had to create a large incision, you might need several weeks to fully recover. 

The big takeaway here is that you’re not stuck with your cyst. To explore your removal options with our team and find out which is right for you, get in touch. Call our office at 301-986-1006 or book your appointment online today.