A recurring or uncomfortable bump deserves a thoughtful treatment plan.
Have a cyst that keeps filling up, catches on clothing or has become uncomfortable? Start with an evaluation at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery. We’ll assess the area and discuss whether observation, drainage or removal is appropriate.
Contact our team to arrange an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac and surrounding communities. Confirm where your evaluation and procedure will take place when scheduling.
An epidermoid cyst is a sac within or beneath the skin that contains keratin, a material made by skin cells. People often call these “sebaceous cysts,” although that term may not describe the actual type of cyst. Other cysts, including pilar cysts on the scalp, can look similar. An examination helps identify the growth and guide treatment.
Reasons to arrange a visit
Drainage releases the contents of a cyst and may relieve symptoms, but the sac can remain. When appropriate, surgical removal addresses the cyst and its lining. An inflamed cyst may need treatment before removal can be scheduled. Your provider will explain the approach suited to your findings.
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR VISIT?
1. Evaluate. Review the growth, symptoms, medical history and any prior testing.
2. Discuss. Talk through observation, testing or treatment, expected healing and costs.
3. Plan. Arrange the procedure or any further evaluation, then review follow-up.
Bring your medication list and any biopsy reports. Tell us about blood thinners, allergies and previous healing problems.
Your dressing, wound care and activity instructions depend on the cyst’s size, location and closure. A small office procedure may allow an early return to light activity, but the incision still needs time to heal. Ask when you can resume exercise and whether you will need a suture-removal visit.
You will receive instructions specific to your care. Contact the office with concerns about worsening pain, redness, drainage or bleeding. Do not stop prescribed medications without instructions from your treating clinician.
Tell your provider about other growths or skin concerns you would like addressed. Whether treatments can be combined depends on the diagnosis, location, available time and healing needs.
BBL or MOXI for surrounding sun damage may be discussed separately after the lesion is evaluated and your provider confirms the timing is appropriate. These treatments do not replace a needed biopsy or skin cancer surgery.
We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your estimate depends on the evaluation, procedure, size and location of the growth, and any laboratory testing.
Medically necessary treatment may be covered, subject to your plan’s terms, deductible, copay and any authorization requirements. Cosmetic removal may not be covered. Verify your provider’s network status with your insurer.
Call 920-233-1540 to discuss the next step.
Your care starts with evaluating the growth and recommending an appropriate plan. When removal is recommended, we discuss the approach, closure and expected healing.
Our practice offers office-based procedural care for a range of medical and cosmetic skin concerns, with wound care guidance and follow-up. Schedule an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C, and bring your questions.
A cyst can recur, particularly if its lining remains. Your provider will discuss the planned technique and the possibility of recurrence.
Not always. Inflammation or infection can change the treatment plan. Evaluation may lead to initial treatment and a later removal visit.
Avoid trying to empty it yourself. Manipulating the area can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection or scarring.
No. Lipomas and other growths can resemble cysts. Have an unfamiliar or changing lump examined before deciding on treatment.
Same-day treatment may be possible when it is medically appropriate, sufficient time is available and insurance requirements allow it. Self-pay procedures may also be performed at the first visit when appropriate. An evaluation does not guarantee same-day removal.
We strongly recommend pathology examination of removed growths when a specimen is obtained. It helps confirm the diagnosis. Your provider will explain when testing is medically necessary and whether declining it is appropriate. The laboratory may bill separately; ask about charges before treatment.
Removing skin creates a wound, and healing creates a scar. Its appearance depends on the method, location and your healing. Your provider will discuss closure, aftercare and possible color changes. Scar-free results cannot be guaranteed.
Confirm the location of your evaluation and any procedure with our scheduling team. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has offices in Oshkosh and Appleton; availability depends on the service and provider.
Let’s discuss your next step. Get your questions answered and understand your treatment options.