Cyst Removal in LaPlace, LA
What a cyst is
A cyst is a sac under the skin that holds keratin, oil, or fluid. The most common types we see are epidermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts. These are usually benign, slow-growing skin growths.
Even though they are not dangerous, they can become swollen, painful, or infected. When a cyst becomes irritated or starts to change, cyst removal is often the safer and cleaner option.
Local health sources like Ochsner Health and the Louisiana Department of Health also highlight the value of early care when skin growths change or become irritated. This aligns with the care we provide at our clinic.
Reasons people seek treatment
Many patients come in when a cyst is getting larger. Even if it doesn’t hurt at first, the size can make it hard to ignore. Others seek help because the cyst starts to feel tender or painful, especially if it sits in an area that gets bumped or pressed during the day.
Some cysts drain or create an odor, which often signals irritation and makes the area uncomfortable. Clothing can also make things worse. When a cyst rubs against fabric or straps, the constant friction can cause soreness and redness.
Appearance is another common reason. A cyst on the face, scalp or neck can affect confidence, and many people want it removed for a cleaner look. Others come in simply because they want a simple medical solution before the cyst becomes infected.
Removing a cyst early helps lower the chance of swelling, infection and delayed healing.
Can you remove a cyst at home?
No. A cyst should not be removed at home. Trying to squeeze, cut, or drain a cyst can lead to infection, scarring, and recurrence.
Many patients who attempt home removal end up with redness, swelling, or a slow-healing wound.
A cyst must have the entire cyst sac removed to keep it from coming back, and this requires a medical setting with clean tools and local anaesthetic.
If a cyst is changing, painful, or draining, it is safer to have it examined in the clinic.
How cyst removal works at our clinic
We perform cyst removal in our clinic using local anaesthetic. The general steps are:
Exam – We check the area, size, and type of cyst.
Local anaesthetic – The skin is numbed so you stay comfortable.
Incision – A small cut is made over the cyst.
Removal – The cyst sac is removed so it is less likely to come back.
Closure – The skin is closed with stitches or adhesive.
After-care – You get clear steps to follow at home.
Most patients can return to normal daily tasks right away. Healing varies based on cyst size and location.
What to expect after the procedure
Most patients notice mild soreness for a day or two, which is normal while the area settles. The site is covered with a bandage, and we explain how to handle simple wound care at home to keep the skin clean as it heals. If stitches were used, we schedule a follow-up visit to remove them.
A small scar is expected, but we place the incision in a way that helps it fade and blend with the surrounding skin over time.
Risks and how we reduce them
Cyst removal is low-risk, but bleeding, infection, recurrence, scarring, and delayed healing can occur. We reduce these risks with clean technique, complete cyst sac removal, and clear after-care guidance.
How long the procedure takes
Most cyst removals take 15–30 minutes. Larger or deeper cysts may take longer, but the process is still done in office.
Patients usually return to work the same day unless the cyst was in a sensitive area.
Insurance and cost
Insurance may help cover cyst removal when it is medically necessary. This often applies to cysts that are infected, painful, changing in size, or affecting daily function. When removal is optional and only for appearance, insurance may not provide coverage.
Why patients in Laplace choose us
Patients in our area come to us because we are board-certified dermatologists with training in medical and surgical skin care. We have extensive experience removing cysts of many types and focus on both function and skin appearance during treatment. As a local clinic in LaPlace, we offer care that is easy to access for the River Parishes community. We use clear, direct communication so patients understand each step.
Because cysts can resemble other skin growths, a proper diagnosis is important. We examine the area carefully to confirm that removal is the right choice.
When to See a Dermatologist
It’s best to see a dermatologist when acne keeps coming back, gets painful, or starts leaving scars. If breakouts last for weeks without getting better or affect how someone feels about their skin, professional acne treatment in Laplace can help stop the problem from getting worse and protect the skin long term.
Schedule your acne treatment in Laplace with Laplace Dermatology Clinic and get expert care tailored to your skin.
Most Common Questions
We remove the full cyst sac to help prevent return. If any part of the sac stays behind, it may grow again.
You may feel pressure but not pain during the procedure because of local anaesthesia.
Most people resume light activity the same day. We may recommend limiting heavy lifting or stretching depending on the cyst location.
Most cysts are benign. If anything looks unusual, we may send the tissue to a lab for review.
Call if you notice fever, pus, spreading redness, or pain that gets worse.
