01 What is a cyst? +
A cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with fluid, keratin, or other material. They often appear as round, firm lumps and are usually benign.
02 What causes skin cysts to form? +
Skin cysts often develop when hair follicles or skin glands become blocked. They can also form due to trauma, inflammation, or a build-up of keratin beneath the skin.
03 Do cysts go away on their own? +
Some cysts may shrink over time, but most persist or grow slowly. They usually do not resolve completely without treatment.
04 How long does a skin cyst last? +
Cysts can remain for months or years if untreated. While some may remain stable, others can become inflamed, grow, or become infected.
05 What does a cyst look like? +
Most cysts appear as smooth, round lumps under the skin. They may be skin-coloured, white, or slightly red if inflamed or infected.
06 Are sebaceous cysts different from other cysts? +
Sebaceous cysts, more accurately called epidermoid cysts, form from blocked skin glands. They are one of the most common types seen in clinical practice.
07 How much does cyst removal cost in Edinburgh? +
Cyst removal at Skin Surgeons Edinburgh starts from £695 for a small cyst, including aftercare. A specialist consultation is £125. Medium cysts (over 2 cm) start from £895 and larger cysts from £1,195. Final pricing depends on the size, site, and complexity. Your exact price is always confirmed before treatment begins.
08 Can a sebaceous cyst come back after removal? +
If the cyst sac is completely removed during surgery, the risk of recurrence is low. If any part of the sac remains, the cyst may refill over time. This is why surgical excision — removing the whole sac — is recommended over drainage alone.
09 Is cyst removal painful? +
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. The numbing injection may cause brief discomfort. Mild soreness in the days following is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
10 Can an infected cyst be removed straightaway? +
An acutely infected or inflamed cyst is often not suitable for immediate excision. We may recommend antibiotics or drainage first, allowing inflammation to settle before planning definitive removal — typically several weeks later.
11 Do you remove cysts on the scalp? +
Yes. Pilar cysts — which are particularly common on the scalp — are one of the most frequent types we treat. They are removed through a small incision under local anaesthetic and are straightforward in most cases.
12 Will I have a scar after cyst removal? +
All surgical incisions leave a scar. We use plastic surgery closure techniques — including deeper sutures where appropriate — to make the scar as fine and inconspicuous as possible. Most scars fade well over several months. No procedure can guarantee an invisible result.
13 Does the removed tissue need to be sent for histology? +
Histological analysis may be recommended where clinically appropriate or where there is diagnostic uncertainty. It provides a pathological record and additional reassurance. The option and any associated cost will be discussed at your consultation.
14 Can I have my cyst removed on the same day as my consultation? +
Where suitable, consultation and treatment can often take place in one visit. This depends on the cyst being straightforward and not acutely infected or inflamed. We confirm suitability at enquiry and advise clearly if a staged approach is the safer option.
15 Is private cyst removal faster than the NHS? +
Private treatment can often provide quicker access for suitable benign cysts, without needing a GP referral. At Skin Surgeons Edinburgh, we aim to offer appointments within days of enquiry.
16 When should I be worried about a lump? +
Most cysts are benign, but a lump that is growing rapidly, changing in appearance, ulcerated, bleeding, hard, or fixed to deeper tissue should be assessed promptly by a clinician. If in doubt, contact us or your GP.
