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If you find a hard lump under your skin and are experiencing an unsightly or painful skin cyst in Toronto, Oakville or Southern Ontario areas, you’ve come to the right place. At Toronto Minor Surgery Center, our board certified plastic surgeons with over 15,000 successful surgeries, can efficiently remove these cysts. While sebaceous cysts are mostly harmless, they can occasionally become painful, infected or aesthetically troubling. In such cases, surgical removal is advised. Our board-certified surgeons use a "tiny scar" technique to ensure minimal scarring.
A sebaceous cyst is a benign, slow-growing lump that develops beneath the skin, often referred to interchangeably as an epidermoid cyst or pilar cyst depending on its origin. These cysts are essentially closed sacs filled with keratin—a white, fatty, cheese-like substance made up of dead skin cells. Keratin is the same protein that forms your hair and nails, giving these cysts their distinctive texture. Sebaceous cysts can appear almost anywhere on the body, except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, due to the absence of sebaceous glands in those areas. Common locations include the scalp, ears, face, neck, upper arms, upper back, chest, and, in men, the scrotum.
The term "sebaceous cyst" is frequently used as an umbrella term, but there are subtle differences between the types:
Despite these distinctions, all are benign and managed similarly through surgical removal when necessary.
Sebaceous cysts present as small, soft, mobile bumps beneath the skin. They grow gradually and can vary widely in size—from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Visually, they may appear skin-colored, tan, yellowish, or slightly reddish, often with a smooth, round surface. A notable feature in some cysts is a central punctum—a tiny, blackhead-like opening—through which keratin may occasionally leak if the cyst is squeezed or punctured. On the scalp, these cysts might contribute to localized hair loss due to pressure on surrounding hair follicles.
Distinguishing a sebaceous cyst from other skin conditions can help you decide when to seek treatment. Here’s how it compares to similar lumps:
If you’re uncertain about the nature of your lump, a consultation with one of our surgeons can provide clarity through a physical examination and, if needed, imaging or biopsy.
Sebaceous cysts often develop unnoticed, growing slowly over months or years to a size of a few centimeters. For many, they remain asymptomatic, posing only cosmetic concerns—perhaps an unwanted bump on the face or neck. On the scalp, they might snag on combs or brushes, causing minor irritation.
While typically benign, sebaceous cysts can sometimes cause discomfort or signal complications:
In extremely rare cases, sebaceous cysts can become malignant. Warning signs include:
If you observe these signs, prompt evaluation by our expert surgeons is essential to rule out malignancy and determine the best course of action.
Sebaceous cysts form when a sebaceous gland—a tiny oil-producing gland in the skin—becomes blocked or damaged. This blockage traps sebum and keratin inside a sac, leading to cyst development. Common triggers include:
The cyst may not appear immediately after the initial trauma; it can take weeks or months for the gland to swell as oil and debris accumulate.
While anyone can develop a sebaceous cyst, certain factors increase susceptibility:
Understanding these causes can help you monitor your skin and seek timely treatment if cysts emerge.
At TMSC, our board-certified plastic surgeons excel in surgically removing sebaceous cysts using local anesthesia for a comfortable, outpatient experience. The procedure involves making a small incision, extracting the cyst and its lining, and closing the site with stitches. This approach ensures the cyst is fully removed, minimizing the chance of recurrence.
While surgery is the gold standard, other options exist, though they are less effective:
Surgical excision offers distinct advantages:
Our surgeons prioritize this method for its reliability and patient satisfaction.
Sebaceous cyst removal at TMSC is a streamlined, patient-focused procedure performed in our state-of-the-art facility. We tailor each surgery to your unique needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and excellent results.
Your journey begins with a free consultation, where our surgeon will:
In many cases, we can perform the surgery on the same day as your consultation, minimizing delays.
The removal process is quick—often under 30 minutes—and follows these steps:
Patients typically return home immediately after, with no need for an overnight stay.
Post-surgery, we provide comprehensive aftercare guidance:
Our team remains available to address any concerns during recovery.
Scarring is a top concern for many patients, and at TMSC, we excel in minimizing its impact. Our surgeons use precise techniques to place incisions in natural skin folds or less visible areas, ensuring scars fade significantly over time—often becoming nearly imperceptible.
To enhance your results, follow these aftercare tips:
Our surgeons provide personalized scar management advice tailored to your skin type and surgery site.
At TMSC, the cost to remove a sebaceous, epidermoid, or pilar cyst starts at $550 across our Toronto, Oakville, and Southern Ontario locations. Pricing varies based on:
We offer transparent pricing during your consultation, ensuring no surprises.
OHIP coverage for cyst removal depends on the nature of the cyst and its impact on health. If the cyst is infected or poses a health risk, removal might be covered. Our surgeons can provide documentation and support for insurance purposes.
Sebaceous cysts can develop anywhere on the body except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Common locations include the scalp, ears, face, neck, upper arms, upper back and chest. Men may also find these cysts on their scrotum.
Sebaceous cysts develop when a skin oil gland becomes blocked or injured. This can result from skin trauma such as a scratch, surgical incision, or skin disorders like acne.
Sebaceous cysts are typically removed surgically. Our board-certified surgeons at TMSC use local anesthesia to perform the procedure, ensuring a pain-free experience. The entire cyst and its lining are extracted to prevent recurrence.
The procedure is generally not painful as local anesthesia is used. Patients might feel a sting from the injection, but the surgery itself is pain-free.
Complete removal of the cyst and its lining typically ensures it will not return to the same spot.
Recovery can take about four weeks if sutures are used. Open wounds may take longer. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing.
Stitches usually stay in place for about four weeks but may vary based on healing progress and the specific surgical method used. Regular follow-up visits help ensure timely stitch removal and healing monitoring.
Removal is recommended if the cyst causes pain, aesthetic concerns, or interferes with daily activities, such as dressing or grooming.
Sebaceous and pilar cysts are generally benign and painless but can occasionally become infected or inflamed, necessitating medical intervention. Unusual lumps or growths should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.
The Toronto Minor Surgery Center stands out as the premier choice for sebaceous cyst removal:
For expert sebaceous cyst removal in Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan, and beyond, trust TMSC. Contact us at (647) 614-1611 or book a free consultation today—no referral required. Let our skilled surgeons restore your comfort and confidence with minimal downtime and exceptional care.
