A sebaceous cyst is a non-cancerous, slow-growing cyst of the skin. Sometimes known as wens, sebaceous cysts are enclosed pouches containing keratin. Keratin is a white, fatty substance mixed with dead skin cells – the same material found in your hair and nails. They can appear almost anywhere on your body, except for the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. The most common body areas they grow include the scalp, ears, face, neck, upper arms, back, and chest, and some men may even find them on their scrotum.
Many often mistake a "sebaceous cyst" with epidermoid cysts, which come from the skin, and pilar cysts, which originate from hair follicles. Anywhere you have sebaceous glands, you can also get sebaceous cysts. If you do develop a cyst, you might notice hair loss on the part and around it. Sebaceous cysts are typically smooth and round, and their sizes vary.
Common Signs of a Sebaceous Cyst:
- A hard lump under your skin
- Irritation or discomfort in the area
- Visible swelling on the skin’s surface
Do you feel a hard lump under your skin? Is it irritating you? What you might have is a sebaceous cyst. They are usually harmless but are easily removed, so you don’t feel any discomfort or pain for long. Our cyst removal surgeons in Toronto are among the best plastic surgeons in Ontario and have been performing successful plastic and minor surgeries for a long time. They have performed more than 15,000 combined successful surgeries, including sebaceous and pilar cyst removal in Toronto.
Why Consider Removing a Sebaceous Cyst?
As mentioned, a sebaceous cyst is usually not harmful or medically dangerous. However, there are several reasons why someone might choose surgery:
- Pain or Discomfort: Cysts can sometimes become painful or tender to the touch.
- Cosmetic Reasons: They may appear on visible parts of the body, leading to self-consciousness.
- Infection Risk: A cyst can become infected, causing redness, swelling, or pus-filled areas.
- Functional Issues: Large cysts may interfere with movement or daily activities.
The Removal Process
Sebaceous cyst removal is a straightforward procedure, and our surgeons have performed it hundreds of times. The steps typically include:
- Consultation: Discuss your concerns and medical history with our expert surgeons.
- Preparation: The area around the cyst is cleaned and prepared for surgery.
- Local Anesthesia: Numbing the area to ensure a pain-free procedure.
- Incision and Removal: Using a precise “tiny scar” technique to make a small incision and remove the cyst completely.
- Closure: The incision is closed with fine stitches, minimizing any scar.
- Aftercare: Guidance on caring for the wound to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
We empathize with our patients’ desire to have their sebaceous cysts removed. Our board-certified surgeons are experienced experts at removing such lesions and are diligent about employing the “tiny scar” technique, which ensures your scar is as small as possible. Here are a few benefits of choosing our center for your procedure:
- Expertise: Board-certified surgeons with years of experience.
- High Success Rate: Thousands of successful cyst removal surgeries performed.
- Patient-Centered Care: Compassionate staff who understand your concerns.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Advanced equipment ensuring safe and efficient procedures.
By choosing our minor surgery center in Toronto & Oakville, you're ensuring that your procedure will be handled with the utmost care, precision, and attention to detail. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident every step of the way.
