GL Surgical Logo Horizontal Transparent
Make Appointment

Back

Skin Cyst Removal Surgery in Singapore

DrGanesh DP 2
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam

Specialist in General Surgery

Procedure

Skin Cyst Surgery In A Nutshell

  • Skin cyst surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of skin and fluid from around an abnormal cell.
  • The doctor will usually send a sample of the cyst to check if it is cancerous.
  • The entire cyst and its contents are removed in a total excision, which reduces the risk of it coming back.
  • Inflammatory cysts are usually first treated with antibiotics, or drained.
  • Skin cyst surgery is usually recommended as it is effective in having the entire cyst removed and reduces the rate of recurrence.
  • Downtime: No physical or strenuous activities for 2-3 days. You may be discharged the same day after surgery.

Table of Contents

Skin Cyst Removal

What Is Skin Cyst Removal Surgery?

Skin cyst surgery is excision biopsy of the cyst, excision means removal of the cyst while biopsy means that a tissue sample of the cyst is tested to check if it is cancerous.

A total excision is an invasive procedure which removes the entire cyst and its contents, minimising any risk of the cyst returning.

Inflamed and infected cysts are usually first treated with antibiotics, or are drained. These methods treat the inflamed cyst, however, the cyst wall is left behind. It usually refills with time. Once the inflammation settles, your surgeon will perform complete removal to prevent the cyst from causing symptoms again.

skin cyst surgery

What Can Be Detected Through A Skin Biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which cells from the surface of your body are removed and examined for signs of disease. A skin biopsy allows our doctor to diagnose conditions like melanoma (a form of skin cancer) or other possible forms of cancers. Through a skin biopsy, our doctor will also be able to find out if you have other non-cancerous conditions that might have resulted in persistent recurrence of a skin cyst.  

What Are the Different Ways to Remove a Skin Cyst?

The surgical approach depends on the size, location and condition of the cyst, as well as the treatment goals.

Possible approaches include:

Conventional Wide Excision

Conventional wide excision, also referred to as saucerisation, involves removing the cyst and surrounding tissue as required. This approach is effective for complete removal but can result in a visible scar.

Minimal Excision

Minimal excision uses a smaller opening to remove the cyst and aims to minimise scarring. However, there may be a greater possibility of recurrence if the cyst is not completely removed.

Laser With Punch Biopsy Excision

A laser can be used to create a small opening through which the cyst contents are removed. Further removal of the cyst wall may then be performed as appropriate.

Your surgeon will determine which approach is suitable after assessing the cyst.

How Long Does Skin Cyst Surgery Take?

Skin cyst surgery typically takes around 20-45 minutes depending on the size of the cyst, along with time required to properly dress your wound after the skin cyst has been removed. In most cases, skin cyst surgeries do not require hospitalisation. The procedure can be done within the clinic and you will be able to be discharged right after the surgery has been completed.

However, in rare cases where the skin cyst is located in an inaccessible location of the body or if the cyst is considerably large, you may be required to be placed under general anaesthesia and warded in order for the skin cyst to be safely removed.

What Happens During Skin Cyst Surgery?

  • Local anaesthesia: The area around the cyst is numbed with local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
  • Incision: Once the area is numb, the surgeon makes a small incision near the cyst.
  • Drainage or removal: Depending on the cyst and the planned technique, it may be drained first or removed directly.
  • Cyst wall removal: When definitive removal is performed, the surgeon aims to remove the cyst along with its wall where appropriate.
  • Wound closure: The incision may be closed with sutures and covered with a gauze dressing.
  • Laboratory testing: If required, a sample of the removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory for examination.
  • Aftercare instructions: Before leaving, you’ll receive guidance on wound care, dressing changes, medications, and activity restrictions.

Does Skin Cyst Surgery Hurt?

Skin cyst surgery is usually fast and painless. Prior to surgery, local anaesthesia will be administered to the surgical site so the region is numb and you will not feel pain when the procedure is taking place. 

For most patients, they only experience a mild sensation when the cyst is removed or when the cut is made to drain the cyst.

After the procedure is completed, regular care to ensure infection does not set in will be required and you will need to change the gauze dressing frequently to keep the wound area clean from bacteria.  

What Happens Immediately After Skin Cyst Surgery?

After the cyst has been removed, the wound is cleaned and dressed.

Most patients can return home on the same day. Before discharge, you will receive instructions about keeping the wound clean, changing the dressing, and managing your normal activities.

A follow-up appointment may be arranged to assess wound healing and, where applicable, discuss the laboratory report.
You should follow your surgeon’s instructions rather than returning immediately to strenuous exercise or heavy physical activity.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Skin Cyst Surgery?

Most patients who undergo a skin cyst surgery recover approximately 1 month after the start of the treatment. 

During the recovery process, you will be required to change the gauze dressing regularly to keep the area clean from bacteria. You may also be prescribed with a scar cream to aid in reducing the appearance of any surgical scars.

Can A Skin Cyst Recur After Being Surgically Removed?

While it’s possible for skin cysts to recur after they are removed, this is not a common occurrence. In most cases, skin cysts recur if they have been drained but not removed entirely, as such, our doctor will usually recommend that you have the entire lump removed instead of relying on drainage to treat the condition.


If you are currently unsure as to which procedure is suitable to treat your skin cyst effectively, consider speaking to a professional surgeon for medical advice on how best to handle it.

How Can I Improve My Recovery After Skin Cyst Surgery?

Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is the most important part of recovery.

General instructions may include:

  • Change the wound dressing as instructed, usually at least once a day.
  • Keep the surgical area clean and protected.
  • Avoid heavy lifting during the early recovery period.
  • Avoid activities that may aggravate or pull on the wound.
  • Take prescribed medication according to the instructions provided.
  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
  • Use scar treatment only if it has been recommended by your doctor.

The appropriate recovery plan depends on the location and extent of your procedure.

What To Expect From Your Skin Cyst Surgery

Your surgeon will assess the cyst and discuss whether removal is appropriate. The size, location and condition of the cyst will help determine the surgical approach and type of anaesthesia.
You will also receive information about the procedure, expected recovery and any preparation required beforehand.

The surgical area is numbed with local anaesthesia in most cases. The cyst is then removed using the planned technique, followed by wound closure and dressing where required.

A tissue sample may be sent for laboratory examination.

Most patients can return home after the procedure. You will receive instructions about wound care, dressing changes, medication and activity restrictions.

A follow-up review may be arranged to monitor healing and discuss biopsy results when applicable.

Your Sebaceous Cyst Treatment Journey at G&L Surgical

  • Step 1: Consultation & Assessment

    Dr Ganesh examines the cyst, confirms the diagnosis, and determines whether surgery is appropriate. If the cyst is infected or inflamed, this may need to be treated first before removal.

  • Step 2: Procedure Planning & Insurance Approval

    Once surgery is recommended, our team will help schedule your procedure and assist with insurance pre-authorisation or Letter of Guarantee (LOG) applications where applicable.

  • Step 3: Saucerization Procedure

    The cyst is surgically removed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring.

  • Step 4: Recovery & Wound Care

    You'll usually return home on the same day with instructions on medications, dressing care and activity restrictions while the wound heals.

  • Step 5: Follow-up Review

    Dr Ganesh reviews your wound healing, and ensures you are recovering well.

Have More Questions? WhatsApp Us

How Much Does a Sebaceous Cyst Removal Cost in Singapore?

The surgeon’s fees for a skin cyst removal ranges from $1,000 – $2,100. Do note that the charges listed here refer to the doctor’s fees, this is before you take into account any hospitalisation fees along with your eligibility for insurance and claimables. To obtain an estimated fee for Sebaceous Cyst removal, visit MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks.

To understand your financing options and out-of-pocket costs, speak to your insurer, or you may contact our friendly staff via WHATSAPP or call our CLINIC for assistance.

G&L Surgical Provides Medical Services in These Hospitals:

Your medical fees and charges may differ depending on the selection of hospitals and bedding arrangements at different medical institutions.

Dr Ganesh Ramalingam can perform the procedure at the following hospitals:

  • Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard & Novena)
  • Mount Alvernia Hospital
  • Parkway East Hospital
  • Gleneagles Hospital

Insurance and Financing for Skin Cyst Surgery

G&L Surgical Clinic can assist patients with understanding their estimated out-of-pocket expenses before a procedure.

Insurance coverage and claim eligibility vary between patients and insurance plans. Where applicable, the clinic team can assist with insurance pre-authorisation or related arrangements.

For specific information about your coverage, it is advisable to check directly with your insurer and discuss the expected costs with the clinic before proceeding.

Why Choose Us For Your Skin Cyst Removal In Singapore?

Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing skin cyst removals for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.

Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our skin cyst removal or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.

Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on skin cyst removals in Singapore.