At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team removes cysts under local anaesthetic here in the clinic, with histology included as standard. Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What is a Cyst?
A skin cyst is a smooth, slow-growing lump that sits under the skin. Most are sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, filled with a soft, keratin-rich material. Many stay the same size for years, while others grow, become tender or become inflamed or infected.
Cyst removal may be worth considering if you have:
- A cyst that is uncomfortable or keeps catching on clothing
- A cyst that has become infected in the past
- A cyst that is growing larger over time
- A cyst you would simply prefer removed
- Uncertainty about what a lump actually is
Many different things can present as a lump, so an accurate diagnosis comes first. Any new, fast-growing or changing lump should be seen by a clinician. You can read more on our sebaceous cyst page.
Our Approach to Cyst Removal
Every lump is examined before any treatment is planned. The right approach depends on what the lump is, where it is and whether it is inflamed.
Complete Surgical Removal
Our team removes the whole cyst, including the cyst wall, under local anaesthetic. Removing the wall reduces the chance of the cyst returning, which is why complete removal is recommended rather than simply draining it. Treatment takes place here in the clinic, so you can go home the same day.
Lipomas and Other Lumps and Bumps
We also remove lipomas and other benign lumps and bumps under local anaesthetic. If you are unsure what your lump is, your assessment will confirm the diagnosis before any procedure is planned.
Infected Cysts
An actively infected cyst is often treated first to settle the inflammation. Full removal is then planned once things have calmed down, so the skin is settled first.
Histology
Removed tissue is sent for laboratory analysis as standard, so you receive a confirmed diagnosis rather than only a visual assessment. The cost is included in your price.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Dermatology is the heart of our clinic, with expertise rooted in Canterbury since 2002. Patients choose us because we offer:
- Consultant-led dermatology, with lumps, lesions and skin cancer concerns assessed by our Consultant Dermatologists
- Minor surgery here in the clinic under local anaesthetic, so you walk out the same day
- Histology included as standard, with the cost included in your price
- CQC-regulated care, with all major private medical insurers accepted
We welcome patients from Canterbury and across Kent.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an assessment, during which our team will:
- Examine the lump to confirm the diagnosis
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history
- Explain the procedure and the likely scar
- Plan the removal with you
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before the cyst and its wall are removed. Appointments take 30 to 45 minutes, and downtime is minimal, with a same-day return to normal activities for most people.
The tissue is sent for analysis, and our team contacts you with the results and aftercare advice. Mild soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal. There will be a small scar at the removal site, which typically fades considerably over several months. Individual results vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the cyst come back after removal?
If the entire cyst wall is removed, recurrence at that site is uncommon. This is why complete surgical removal, rather than simply draining a cyst, is recommended.
Is cyst removal painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic beforehand, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
Will I have a scar?
There will be a small scar at the removal site, which typically fades considerably over several months. Your clinician will discuss the likely appearance with you beforehand.
Can an infected cyst be removed straight away?
An actively infected cyst is often treated first to settle the inflammation. Full removal is then planned once things have calmed down, so the skin is settled first.
Is the cyst tested after removal?
Yes. Histology is included as standard at Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, so you receive a confirmed diagnosis rather than just a visual assessment.
Can you remove other lumps and bumps?
Yes. As well as cysts, we remove lipomas and other benign lumps and bumps under local anaesthetic. Your assessment will confirm what the lump is first.
Book this treatment
Price
£840 for one lesion, including the histology lab fee, facility fee and surgeon’s fee
Fees
Vary by clinician and are confirmed at your consultation
Appointment
30 to 45 minutes
Downtime
Minimal, same day return
Consultant Dermatologist appointments are booked by phone or email, so we can check whether you are insured or self-funding.
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