Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Cysts are common skin growths that can develop within or beneath the skin. While many cysts are benign and do not require treatment, some may become enlarged, painful, inflamed, repeatedly irritated, or otherwise bothersome.
When removal is appropriate, cyst removal can eliminate the growth and address ongoing symptoms or concerns.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and cyst removal in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes considers the type, size, location, symptoms, and characteristics of each cyst when determining whether removal is appropriate and discussing treatment options.
Schedule a Cyst Removal Consultation
Cyst removal procedures are scheduled by phone. Call our office to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next step.
Call: 202-737-6800Cyst removal is a procedure used to remove a cyst from beneath or within the skin.
Not every cyst needs to be removed. Some cysts can be safely monitored when they are small, stable, and not causing symptoms.
Removal may be considered when a cyst is:
Before removal, a dermatologist should evaluate the growth to determine whether it is actually a cyst and whether removal is appropriate.
The decision to remove a cyst depends on several factors.
Dr. Holmes may consider removal when a cyst:
Some cysts may be better managed with observation or medical treatment rather than immediate removal.
Dr. Holmes will discuss the available options based on the individual cyst and your concerns.
Different types of cysts can occur in the skin.
Common examples include:
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and characteristics of the growth.
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst. A dermatologist can evaluate the growth before determining whether cyst removal is appropriate.
A cyst may appear as a:
Cysts may be painless when they are not inflamed.
An inflamed cyst may become swollen, tender, red, or painful and may sometimes drain material.
Cyst treatment and cyst removal are not always the same.
Some cysts can be monitored if they are not causing problems. If a cyst becomes inflamed, medical treatment may sometimes be recommended before removal is considered.
Removal may be appropriate when the cyst is persistent, recurrent, bothersome, or otherwise appropriate for a procedure.
The recommended approach depends on the individual cyst.
Learn more about Cyst Evaluation & Treatment in Washington, DC →
Before removal, Dr. Holmes will examine the growth and consider:
If the diagnosis is uncertain or the growth has unusual characteristics, additional evaluation may be recommended.
The goal is to determine whether the growth is consistent with a cyst and whether removal is appropriate.
The specific removal technique depends on the type, size, location, and condition of the cyst.
When appropriate, cyst removal may involve:
The exact procedure will depend on the individual cyst.
If a cyst is significantly inflamed or infected, removal may not be performed immediately. The area may first require medical management before definitive removal is considered.
Cyst removal is generally performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
You may feel pressure or movement during the procedure, but the treatment area should be adequately numbed.
After the procedure, some tenderness, swelling, or discomfort may occur as the area heals.
Dr. Holmes will provide appropriate instructions for caring for the treatment area after the procedure.
The time required for cyst removal varies depending on:
Your treatment time can be discussed during your evaluation.
After removal, the treated area will need time to heal.
Depending on the procedure, you may receive instructions regarding:
Following your post-procedure instructions can help support proper healing.
Any procedure that involves an incision into the skin can result in some degree of scarring.
The final appearance of a scar can depend on factors such as:
Dr. Holmes considers the location and individual characteristics of the cyst when discussing treatment options and expected healing.
Patients with darker skin tones may be more prone to certain changes in pigmentation following inflammation or injury.
A healing area may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Scar formation can also vary between individuals.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating cysts and discussing removal.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
A cyst can sometimes recur after removal.
Recurrence can depend on the type of cyst and whether the cyst wall was completely removed.
If a cyst returns or another lump develops in the same area, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether it represents a recurrent cyst or another type of skin growth.
An inflamed cyst may become:
An inflamed cyst may require a different treatment approach than a stable, noninflamed cyst.
In some situations, medical treatment may be recommended before definitive removal is considered.
If you have significant swelling, rapidly worsening pain, fever, spreading redness or discoloration, or other signs of a more serious infection, prompt medical evaluation is important.
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst.
Other growths can include:
Because these growths can sometimes look or feel similar, proper evaluation is important before removal.
Learn more about Growth Evaluation & Removal →
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you have a lump that:
A dermatologist can determine whether the growth is consistent with a cyst and whether removal or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Individualized Evaluation
to determine whether cyst removal is appropriate
Personalized Treatment Planning
based on the type, size, location, and characteristics of the cyst
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Skin Characteristics
with consideration for individual pigmentation and scarring concerns
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for cysts and other skin growths. When cyst removal is appropriate, Dr. Holmes considers the characteristics and location of the cyst, the patient's symptoms and concerns, and factors that may affect treatment and healing.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating and treating skin growths.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a cyst that is painful, growing, repeatedly inflamed, frequently irritated, or causing concern, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether removal is appropriate. Dr. Holmes can evaluate the growth and discuss the treatment options that best fit your individual situation.
Schedule a Cyst Removal Consultation in Washington, DC
