Skin Cysts & Sebaceous Cysts

Why You Don’t Have to Keep Ignoring That Lump

You’ve noticed a lump under your skin. It’s firm, round, maybe a bit tender. It hasn’t gone away. Maybe you’ve Googled it. Maybe your GP said it’s “just a cyst.” But here’s the thing, it’s bothering you. And you’re not imagining that.

What is a Skin Cyst?

Let’s clear up the confusion.

A skin cyst is a small sac under the skin, filled with fluid, keratin (a soft cheese-like substance), or oil. The most common type is called a sebaceous cyst (sometimes also called an epidermoid or epidermal inclusion cyst – confusing, we know).

These cysts often form when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes blocked. They tend to grow slowly, and can appear anywhere – but most commonly on the Scalp, Face, Neck, Back, Chest or Genitals.

They’re not harmful. But they can get inflamed, infected, or burst – and that’s when they really start to cause trouble.

Do I Really Need to Get It Removed?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a medical reason to have a cyst removed. But here are a few very valid reasons our patients often tell us:

  • “It keeps getting infected.” Recurring infections are painful, messy, and frustrating.

  • “It’s getting bigger.” Cysts rarely shrink. Once they’ve formed, they usually keep growing.

  • “It smells awful.” If a cyst bursts or drains, the contents can smell… let’s just say unpleasant.

  • “It’s embarrassing.” Especially if it’s on the face, scalp or other visible area.

  • “I’m tired of worrying about it.” Even if it’s harmless, the mental weight of monitoring a lump every day can be exhausting.

If any of these feel familiar – you’re not alone. And you don’t have to live with it.

What’s the Removal Process Like?

At Sozo Clinic, we do cyst removals every week. It’s a straightforward, walk-in-walk-out procedure with no general anaesthetic, no pain and no drama.

Here’s how it works:

  • We assess the lump – We make sure it’s a simple, benign cyst – and that it’s safe to remove.

  • We numb the area – You won’t feel a thing. Local anaesthetic means you’re fully awake, but completely comfortable.

  • We excise the cyst – That means we remove the entire sac – not just drain it – so it doesn’t grow back.

  • We close the skin – EIther with dissolvable stitches or those that need removing for the best cosmetic result.

  • Procedure Time: 30 minutes

  • Anaesthesia: Awake under local or regional, based on your preference

  • Same-Day Discharge: usually within 30 minutes

  • Recovery: 1-2 weeks

If any of these feel familiar – you’re not alone. And you don’t have to live with it.

Will It Come Back?

When a cyst is removed properly – the sac and all – it shouldn’t return.

But here’s the catch: draining it (which some GPs or A&E doctors might do during a flare-up) doesn’t solve the problem. It empties the cyst, but leaves the sac behind. And if the sac’s still there, it’ll fill up again.

That’s why we do complete surgical excision at Sozo – so you only have to deal with it once.

Ready to Finally Get Rid of It?

If you’ve been putting this off – you’re not the only one. Most of our patients say the same thing: “I wish I’d done this sooner.” So here’s your sign. Let us take care of it – The Sozo Way.

photo of 3 skin sutures in an incision made to remove a skin lump