What are Cyst?
A cyst is a sac-like lump containing fluid or solid material that can form on or under the skin, including sebaceous (epidermoid), pilar, pilonidal, ganglion and mucous retention cysts. Most are benign but may be removed if they grow, become infected or cause discomfort. Dr Ong Wei Chen performs cyst removal at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore.
A cyst is a sac-like lump containing fluid or solid material, and cysts can appear in many places depending on their type. The ones found on or near the skin include epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts and pilar cysts, while pilonidal cysts, ganglion cysts and mucous retention cysts occur in specific locations. Most cysts are benign, but they can grow, become infected or cause discomfort, at which point removal is often recommended.
What are the common types of cysts?
Several cyst types occur on or near the skin, each with typical locations and features:
- Sebaceous / epidermoid cyst — forms when a sebaceous duct blocks; common on the face, neck and back, and can become infected.
- Pilar cyst — a keratin-filled sac at a hair follicle, usually on the scalp.
- Pilonidal cyst — forms in the crease near the tailbone and often needs surgery once infected.
- Ganglion cyst — a gelatinous lump over the wrist, hand or forearm.
- Mucous retention cyst (mucocele) — a fluid lump on the lip or inside the mouth from a traumatised salivary gland.
When does a cyst need to be removed?
A cyst usually needs removal when it grows, becomes infected, causes pain or interferes with daily life. Many small cysts can be left alone if they are stable and symptom-free, but a cyst that becomes red, swollen or discharges pus needs medical attention, and surgery is often required to drain it and remove the sac. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each cyst and discusses whether removal is appropriate.
How is cyst removal surgery performed?
Cyst removal is performed by draining or excising the cyst, usually under local anaesthesia as a day-surgery procedure, or under short general anaesthesia if preferred. Removing the cyst wall — not just draining the contents — reduces the chance of recurrence. An infected cyst may need the infection treated first before it can be removed. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses the cyst and discusses the approach with you before surgery.
Do cysts come back after removal?
A cyst is less likely to return when the entire sac wall is removed rather than only drained. If a cyst is drained during an acute infection without removing the wall, it can recur, which is why definitive excision is often planned once any infection settles. Following post- operative care and wound guidance also supports healing. Dr Ong Wei Chen plans removal to reduce recurrence where clinically possible.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I remove a cyst or leave it alone?
A stable, symptom-free cyst can often be left alone, but one that grows, becomes infected or causes discomfort is usually removed. Removal with excision of the sac wall also confirms the diagnosis and reduces recurrence. An infected cyst needs prompt attention before definitive surgery. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each cyst at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, before advising.
Is cyst removal done under local or general anaesthesia in Singapore?
A stable, symptom-free cyst can often be left alone, but one that grows, becomes infected or causes discomfort is usually removed. Removal with excision of the sac wall also confirms the diagnosis and reduces recurrence. An infected cyst needs prompt attention before definitive surgery. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each cyst at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, before advising.
Why do cysts sometimes come back after being drained?
Cysts recur when only the fluid is drained but the sac wall remains, allowing it to refill. Removing the entire cyst wall during excision greatly reduces this risk, which is why draining an infected cyst is often followed by definitive removal once the infection settles. Dr Ong Wei Chen plans cyst removal to minimise recurrence where clinically possible.
Can cyst removal be claimed under Medisave or insurance in Singapore?
Cyst removal is a medical procedure and is generally claimable, depending on your policy and the clinical indication. WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery assists with direct insurance e-filing and Medisave claims. Because coverage varies with the type of cyst and your policy, confirm the details with your insurer or the clinic before surgery.
Contact Us Today
Dr Ong is a fully accredited Singapore plastic surgeon. She currently practices at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at Gleneagles Medical Centre, serving patients in all Parkway hospitals and Mount Alvernia Hospital. Under the competent and experienced hands of one of the best female plastic surgeons in Singapore, you can be assured of quality care and treatment.
