A growing, painful, red or repeatedly inflamed lump should be evaluated. Start with an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery for convenient office-based removal and prompt appointments. We’ll assess the area and discuss whether observation, drainage or removal is appropriate. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac and surrounding communities.
Cyst Removal
A recurring or uncomfortable bump deserves a thoughtful treatment plan.
Cyst Removal: Key Details
- Procedure Time: 30 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local numbing
- Recovery: Immediate return to routine activities
- Results: If used, sutures are removed after one week. Final results within weeks
- Combination procedures: Other lesions may be removed during the visit
- Approximate cost: Cosmetic consult fee of $100 if not billable to insurance, plus cost of the actual procedure(s). A small cyst under 1 cm starts at $275.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONCERN
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a sac-like growth beneath the skin that may contain keratin (a protein found in skin), fluid, or other material. Skin cysts are common and can develop almost anywhere on the body. They often appear as round, smooth lumps that grow slowly and may become tender, inflamed, or infected.
How Do Cysts Develop?
Many skin cysts develop when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface instead of shedding normally. These cells continue producing keratin, which gradually collects inside the cyst.
Blocked Hair Follicles and Shaving
Cysts and cyst-like bumps can sometimes develop around hair follicles, particularly in areas prone to irritation, friction, or frequent shaving.
Shaving can cause hairs to curl back into the skin or become trapped beneath the surface, resulting in ingrown hairs. These may cause red, tender bumps that resemble cysts. Repeated irritation or inflammation can sometimes contribute to deeper bumps or cyst formation.
Common areas include:
- Face and neck: Particularly around the beard and shaving areas.
- Armpits: Where shaving, friction, and hair follicle irritation are common.
- Groin and bikini area: Where ingrown hairs and inflamed follicles frequently occur.
- Legs: Especially in areas regularly shaved or exposed to friction.
- Back and chest: Where acne, blocked follicles, and skin cysts may develop.
YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
Drainage and removal serve different purposes
When should a cyst be evaluated?
- A lump that is growing or repeatedly becomes irritated
- Discomfort from clothing, pressure or everyday activity
- A cyst that returns after it has drained
- A visible bump you would like to discuss removing
Drainage vs removal
A proper diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment. 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.
A red, painful or draining lump needs evaluation. Call promptly if symptoms are worsening; fever or spreading redness may require urgent medical care.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Evaluation: We examine your skin concern and discuss its history, including changes in size, appearance, discomfort, or other symptoms.
- Treatment Planning: We review your removal options, discuss closure techniques when necessary, and determine whether pathology testing is recommended.
- Treatment & Follow-Up: Many procedures can be performed in our office using local anesthesia. We explain what to expect during recovery, provide post-op instructions, and communicate pathology results when applicable.
Bring your medication list and any biopsy reports. Tell us about blood thinners, allergies and previous healing problems.
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Recovery & healing
Your dressing, post-op 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.
PLANNING OTHER CARE
Can treatments be combined?
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.
INSURANCE & SELF-PAY OPTIONS
Know your costs before treatment
We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your insurance estimate depends on the evaluation, procedure, and size and location of the growth. Pathology fees, when applicable, are billed separately.
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.
Consultation Fees & Insurance
Whether a consultation is considered medically necessary or cosmetic depends on the condition being evaluated and applicable insurance coverage.
Insurance-Based Consultations
For medically necessary conditions that may be covered by insurance, your consultation will be billed to your insurance provider. Applicable copays, deductibles, and coinsurance are the patient’s responsibility, based on their individual insurance plan.
Cosmetic Consultations
For cosmetic or elective procedures not covered by insurance, a $100 consultation fee is required. Consultation fees are non-refundable and are not applied toward the cost of treatment or procedures.
Cosmetic Fees
Performed by a Physician Assistant, a small cyst under 1 cm starts at $275, while a large cyst over 2 cm starts at $500. Complex closures add $100-300. Additional charge for face, neck, head, and hand. Prices assume uncomplicated office-based procedures under local anesthesia.
Discounted self-pay pricing are available when multiple cysts are removed during the same appointment. The first cyst is full price, the 2nd is discounted 20%, and the 3rd and additional ones are each discounted 30%.
How Is the Cost of Removal Determined?
The cost of surgical removal is based primarily on the size of the incision and final wound closure, not the size of the visible mole, cyst, or skin growth. In many cases, the incision must be larger than the growth itself to allow for complete removal and proper closure. Pricing may also vary depending on the location of the growth, the complexity of the procedure, the type of closure required, and the selection of provider. Additional charges may apply for facial procedures or those requiring layered or complex suturing. Our providers will evaluate your condition and provide a personalized cost estimate before proceeding with treatment.
WHY FOX VALLEY PLASTIC SURGERY?
Medical care with attention to appearance
Fox Valley Plastic Surgery combines experience in minor surgical procedures with an understanding of the cosmetic concerns that bring patients to our practice.
Our goal is to provide an appropriate, comfortable treatment experience while paying careful attention to healing and the appearance of treated areas.
Why Patients Choose Us
- Insurance & Self-Pay Options
- No Referral Usually Needed
- Same-Day Appointments Often Available
- Surgical & Non-Surgical Options
- Pathology Services Available
- Convenient In-Office Procedures
- Multiple removal techniques
- Treatment of several skin lesions during one appointment when appropriate
- Discounted pricing for multiple eligible cosmetic removals
Schedule a cyst evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C, and learn which removal options may be appropriate for you.
Jay combines nearly two decades of surgical and emergency medicine experience with a personalized approach to minor skin procedures. Since 2022, he has worked alongside our plastic surgeons, assisting in surgery and managing postoperative recovery. Special interests: Skin growth removal, cysts, lipomas, wound care, and surgical healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shaving cause a cyst?
Shaving does not always cause a true cyst, but it can irritate or damage hair follicles and lead to ingrown hairs, inflammation, or cyst-like bumps. In some cases, a blocked follicle can develop into a cyst beneath the skin. If a bump persists, grows, becomes painful, or repeatedly returns, an evaluation can help determine whether surgical removal is appropriate.
Can a cyst come back after removal?
A cyst can recur, particularly if its lining remains. Your provider will discuss the planned technique and the possibility of recurrence.
Can an infected cyst be removed right away?
Not always. Inflammation or infection can change the treatment plan. Evaluation may lead to initial treatment and a later removal visit.
Should I squeeze or pop a cyst?
Avoid trying to empty it yourself. Manipulating the area can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection or scarring.
Will the tissue be sent to a laboratory?
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.
Will removal leave a scar?
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.
Other Surgical Dermatology Treatments
Fox Valley Plastic Surgery provides surgical dermatology services for patients throughout Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, and surrounding Fox Valley communities without a long wait time for appointment availability. Our experienced medical team evaluates and treats a wide range of skin conditions, from bothersome benign growths to lesions that may require testing for skin cancer. Many procedures can be performed conveniently in our office using local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home shortly after treatment.
Start Your journey today
Let’s discuss your next step. Get your questions answered and understand your treatment options. Call 920-233-1540.