
Your Guide to Cyst Removal

Any number of causes can contribute to you getting a cyst. These fluid-filled bumps under your skin can develop because a hair follicle got injured, for example, or because you have a family history of cysts.
Here’s the good news: Cysts aren’t cancerous. In a lot of cases, they don’t cause an issue and you can simply leave them alone. But if your cyst is painful, gets infected, or bothers you cosmetically, it’s worth exploring removal options.
For precisely this situation, come see Ali Hendi, MD, and Joanna Dong, MD. As experts in this kind of procedure, we can perform cyst removal from the comfort and safety of our office in Chevy Chase, Maryland. If you’re in the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, area, we can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for cyst removal.
When a cyst requires removal
If your cyst is small, painless, and out of the way, you don’t need to worry about it. In other words, if it doesn’t bother you, it’s fine to leave it alone. Just make sure it’s actually a cyst and not another skin issue like basal cell carcinoma. Our team can check that for you.
However, there are a few situations in which you might benefit from cyst removal. Talk with our team if your cyst is:
- Infected
- Painful
- Prone to breaking open
- In a spot you bump regularly
- Large enough to bother you
- A cosmetic problem
We can explore cyst removal when it would improve your quality of life.
If your cyst is infected, removing it means getting rid of an uncomfortable spot on your skin. Your cyst may not hurt, but if it makes you feel self-conscious, getting it removed may well be worth it. We help you explore your options so you can make the right decision for yourself.
What to expect with cyst removal
We offer a couple of treatment options for your cyst. If you’re bothered by the size, we might recommend draining it. In a sterile environment, we puncture the cyst and drain the fluid from it, flattening the cyst. With this option, though, there’s a chance your cyst will grow back.
Alternatively, we can create a small incision to surgically remove the cyst. Depending on the size of the required incision, you might need stitches. We let you know what to expect based on what needs to be done to remove your cyst.
We’re here to help you figure out if your cyst requires treatment and, if so, the best path forward. To explore cyst removal with our team, call our office at 301-812-4591 to make an appointment or book one online today.
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