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Cyst Removal

Sebaceous cysts are common benign lesions that develop beneath the skin. They are typically smooth, round, and slow-growing — but they can become inflamed, infected, or simply bothersome, and surgical removal is the most reliable way to prevent recurrence.

The standard approach to cyst removal involves excising the cyst together with a small ellipse of overlying skin. This works well in most areas of the body. On the face, however, this technique can leave a noticeable scar. Mr Matthew Potter uses a micro scar technique for facial cysts — removing the cyst through an incision of approximately 3 to 4mm — significantly reducing the visible impact on the face.

All cysts are removed under local anaesthetic and all removed tissue is sent for pathological analysis as standard.
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Why Mr Potter

Micro scar technique for facial cysts — approximately 3 to 4mm incision

All removed cysts sent for pathological analysis

Local anaesthetic procedure — no general anaesthetic required in most cases

Over 1,000 skin lesions removed in the last 5 years

Less than 1% recurrence

PHIN patient satisfaction score: 99%

PHIN is an independent government audit of consultant patient outcomes, randomly sampling post-operative patients. A 99% satisfaction score places Mr Potter among the highest-rated plastic surgeons in the country.

Treatment

In most areas of the body, a sebaceous cyst is removed by excising the cyst along with a small ellipse of overlying skin. The wound is closed with sutures and dressed to allow showering from the day after the procedure. All sutures are removed or dissolve in due course.

Standard cyst removal

On the face, standard cyst excision leaves a scar that can be visible and disproportionate to the original lesion. Mr Potter uses a micro scar technique for facial cysts — removing the cyst through a carefully placed incision of approximately 3 to 4mm, significantly reducing visible scarring in cosmetically sensitive areas.

Mr Potter will discuss the most appropriate approach for your cyst at your initial consultation, based on the cyst’s size, location, and whether it has previously been inflamed or infected.

Micro scar technique — for facial cysts

A cyst that is actively inflamed or infected should not be excised until the inflammation has settled. Mr Potter will advise on timing and, where needed, management of any active infection before proceeding with removal.

Inflamed or infected cysts

Patient Imagery

Matthew-Potter-Sebaceous-Cyst (1)

What Patients Say

I write to thank you for the care of me over the past week. The immense skill and the very kind human attention to detail in terms of explanation and reassurance.

More testimonials regarding Matthew Potter’s work can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sebaceous cyst?

A sebaceous cyst is a benign, slow-growing lump that develops beneath the skin, most commonly on the face, scalp, neck, or back. They are filled with a cheesy material and are not usually painful unless inflamed or infected. Surgical removal prevents recurrence.

Not immediately. An inflamed or infected cyst should be allowed to settle before surgical removal. Mr Potter will advise on the appropriate timing and management of any active inflammation before proceeding.

For facial cysts, Mr Potter uses a micro scar technique that removes the cyst through a very small incision of approximately 3 to 4mm — significantly smaller than the incision required for standard cyst excision. This substantially reduces visible scarring in cosmetically sensitive areas of the face.

Complete excision of the cyst capsule prevents recurrence in the vast majority of cases. Mr Potter’s recurrence rate is less than 1% across all lesion types. He will discuss the approach that minimises recurrence risk for your particular cyst during consultation.

Yes. Every cyst Mr Potter removes is sent for pathological analysis as standard, confirming it is benign and that no further action is required.

At the Manor Hospital in Oxford, Ridgeway Hospital in Swindon, Stratum Clinic in Wootton Oxfordshire, ProDerm in Cheltenham, and Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Book a Consultation

Contact us if you have any health concerns or are looking to get a consultation. You can contact Matthew Potter by using the form below or contact him through one of the available telephone numbers or email addresses listed on this page.

Private Secretary & All Correspondence

T. 07917 965717

Swindon - Ridgeway Hospital

T. 01793 814848

Cheltenham - ProDerm, Festival House

T. 0800 0489230

Oxfordshire - Stratum Clinic,
Wootton Business Park

T. 01865 320790

Wiltshire - Interface Business Park, Royal Wootton Bassett

T: 0808 2803560

Oxford - The Manor Hospital

T. 01865 307777

Contact Lissie on 07917 965717 or use the form below.