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Skin Cyst Removal Surgery in Singapore

DrGanesh DP 2
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Procedure

Skin Cyst Surgery In A Nutshell

  • Skin cyst surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of skin and fluid from around an abnormal cell.
  • The doctor will usually send a sample of the cyst to check if it is cancerous.
  • The entire cyst and its contents are removed in a total excision, which reduces the risk of it coming back.
  • Inflammatory cysts are usually first treated with antibiotics, or drained.
  • Skin cyst surgery is usually recommended as it is effective in having the entire cyst removed and reduces the rate of recurrence.
  • Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 2-3 days. You may be discharged the same day after surgery.

Table of Contents

Skin Cyst Removal

What Is Skin Cyst Removal Surgery?

Skin cyst surgery is excision biopsy of the cyst, excision means removal of the cyst while biopsy means that a tissue sample of the cyst is tested to check if it is cancerous.

A total excision is an invasive procedure which removes the entire cyst and its contents, minimising any risk of the cyst returning.

Inflamed and infected cysts are usually first treated with antibiotics, or are drained. These methods treat the inflamed cyst, however, the cyst wall is left behind. It usually refills with time. Once the inflammation settles, your surgeon will perform complete removal to prevent the cyst from causing symptoms again.

skin cyst surgery

What Can Be Detected Through A Skin Biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which cells from the surface of your body are removed and examined for signs of disease. A skin biopsy allows our doctor to diagnose conditions like melanoma (a form of skin cancer) or other possible forms of cancers. Through a skin biopsy, our doctor will also be able to find out if you have other non-cancerous conditions that might have resulted in persistent recurrence of a skin cyst.  

How Long Does Skin Cyst Surgery Take?

Skin cyst surgery typically takes around 20-45 minutes depending on the size of the cyst, along with time required to properly dress your wound after the skin cyst has been removed. In most cases, skin cyst surgeries do not require hospitalisation. The procedure can be done within the clinic and you will be able to be discharged right after the surgery has been completed.

However, in rare cases where the skin cyst is located in an inaccessible location of the body or if the cyst is considerably large, you may be required to be placed under general anaesthesia and warded in order for the skin cyst to be safely removed.

What Happens During Skin Cyst Surgery?

Most cases of skin cyst surgeries are performed under anaesthesia in the doctor’s clinic. Before the procedure begins, local anaesthesia will be administered to the surgical site to numb the region.

Our doctor will then make an incision on the skin closer to the cyst to either drain or remove the cyst entirely. Once this procedure has been completed, the wound will be sutured closed before a gauze dressing is applied on top of the wound site. You will be required to change the gauze dressing at least once a day to prevent infection from setting in.

Upon removal of the skin cyst, a sample of the lump will be sent for testing to ensure that it is non-cancerous.

Regular follow-ups with our doctor will be scheduled to ensure that the wound is recovering well and show no signs of infection. Reports from the biopsy will also be explained to you in the event additional tests are required to confirm if there are signs of malignancy.

In roughly a month, the wound should have healed, leaving behind a scar from the removal of the cyst. To reduce the appearance of any surgical scars, a scar cream may be prescribed.

Why Undergo Skin Cyst Surgery?

A sebaceous cyst usually does not disappear by itself, and surgery is the only way to remove it. Skin cyst surgery is the most effective option to treat cysts, for both medical and cosmetic reasons. It has the lowest rate of recurrence. Other methods such as drainage of the cyst often results in the cyst wall being left behind and it will refill again.

Does Skin Cyst Surgery Hurt?

Skin cyst surgery is usually fast and painless. Prior to surgery, local anaesthesia will be administered to the surgical site so the region is numb and you will not feel pain when the procedure is taking place. 

For most patients, they only experience a mild sensation when the cyst is removed or when the cut is made to drain the cyst.

After the procedure is completed, regular care to ensure infection does not set in will be required and you will need to change the gauze dressing frequently to keep the wound area clean from bacteria.  

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Skin Cyst Surgery?

Most patients who undergo a skin cyst surgery recover approximately 1 month after the start of the treatment. 

During the recovery process, you will be required to change the gauze dressing regularly to keep the area clean from bacteria. You may also be prescribed with a scar cream to aid in reducing the appearance of any surgical scars.

Can A Skin Cyst Recur After Being Surgically Removed?

While it’s possible for skin cysts to recur after they are removed, this is not a common occurrence. In most cases, skin cysts recur if they have been drained but not removed entirely, as such, our doctor will usually recommend that you have the entire lump removed instead of relying on drainage to treat the condition.


If you are currently unsure as to which procedure is suitable to treat your skin cyst effectively, consider speaking to a professional surgeon for medical advice on how best to handle it.

How Can I Improve My Recovery After Skin Cyst Surgery?

To improve your recovery after a skin cyst surgery, most patients will be prescribed a set of recovery instructions customised to their needs.

In general, patients will be required to avoid lifting heavy objects within the first week of the surgery to prevent aggravation of the wound. 

Most importantly, the dressing on the surgical site needs to be regularly changed (at least once a day) to prevent bacteria from entering, leading to an infection.

For patients who feel pain, painkillers may be prescribed to assist with alleviating the pain in the initial week after the surgery.

What To Expect?

  • Fast as instructed by your doctor.
  • You will be placed under local anaesthesia to numb your skin.
  • Your surgeon will make a tiny cut in the skin and squeeze the cyst out.
  • The resulting scar is usually small and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Six to seven stitches will be in place.
  • A bandaged is used to cover the wound.
  • The operation is usually completed within 30 minutes.
  • You may be able to go home on the day of the procedure.
  • Pain is minimal and can be controlled with painkillers if you wish.
  • Change your dressing daily.
  • You may shower with your dressing on or without your dressing.
  • Eat a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and other light foods.
  • Avoid spicy food.
  • Cut out alcohol.
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor within 1 to 2 weeks time.

How Much Does a Sebaceous Cyst Removal Cost in Singapore?

The surgeon’s fees for a skin cyst removal ranges from $1,000 – $2,100. Do note that the charges listed here refer to the doctor’s fees, this is before you take into account any hospitalisation fees along with your eligibility for insurance and claimables. To obtain an estimated fee for Sebaceous Cyst removal, visit MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks.

To understand your financing options and out-of-pocket costs, speak to your insurer, or you may contact our friendly staff via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.

G&L Surgical Provides Medical Services in These Hospitals:

Your medical fees and charges may differ depending on the selection of hospitals and bedding arrangements at different medical institutions.

Dr Ganesh Ramalingam can perform the procedure at the following hospitals:

  • Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard & Novena)
  • Mount Alvernia Hospital
  • Parkway East Hospital
  • Gleneagles Hospital

Why Choose Us For Your Skin Cyst Removal In Singapore?

Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing skin cyst removals for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.

Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our skin cyst removal or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.

Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on skin cyst removals in Singapore.