Cyst Removal in Oakville, Ontario

ICLS Plastic Surgery in Oakville performs safe and effective surgical cyst removal for patients across Toronto, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area. ICLS specializes in precise techniques that remove cysts completely while minimizing scarring.

While most skin cysts are benign, they can become painful, infected, or cosmetically bothersome. Surgical removal at ICLS focuses on the complete excision of the cyst sac, helping reduce recurrence and restore smoother skin.

What Are Skin Cysts? (Understanding the Concern)

A skin cyst is a noncancerous, closed pocket of tissue that forms beneath the skin. These cysts typically contain fluid, keratin, or other material produced by the body. Many appear as firm, round lumps under the skin surface and may grow slowly over time.

Skin cysts are extremely common and can develop on almost any area of the body, including the face, scalp, neck, back, or torso. In most cases, they are harmless and do not require urgent treatment.

Cysts may become problematic when they:

Grow larger over time.
It becomes inflamed or painful.
Shows signs of infection.
Interfere with movement or clothing.
Create cosmetic concerns.

Although benign, cysts often persist because the sac that produces keratin or fluid remains beneath the skin. Surgical removal is the most reliable method for completely eliminating the cyst.

At ICLS Plastic Surgery, treatment focuses on removing the cyst and its intact sac, which significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

Types of Skin Cysts

Several types of cysts commonly appear on the skin. While they share similarities, each develops from a slightly different structure within the skin.

Epidermoid cysts are the most common type. These cysts form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin due to a blocked pore or damaged hair follicle. They often contain a thick, yellowish keratin material.

Sebaceous cysts develop when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked. These glands normally produce oil that helps lubricate the skin and hair. When the gland is obstructed, a cyst may form beneath the skin surface.

Pilar cysts typically occur on the scalp and originate from hair follicles. These cysts are often firm and smooth and may run in families.

Acne cysts are larger, deeper cystic lesions that form as part of severe acne. They may resemble boils and can become painful if inflamed.

It is important to note that ganglion cysts, which occur near joints or tendons, are a different category of cyst and are not included in the surgical dermatology services offered at ICLS.

What Causes Cysts to Form?

Skin cysts typically develop when normal skin structures become blocked or damaged.

Common causes include:

Blocked pores or sebaceous glands
Hair follicle irritation or damage
Skin trauma
Infection or inflammation
Hereditary factors

When keratin or oil becomes trapped beneath the skin, the body forms a sac around it, creating a cyst.

Most cysts are benign and not considered dangerous. However, they should be evaluated if they:

Grow rapidly
Become painful
Show signs of infection
Occur in cosmetically sensitive areas

A professional assessment helps determine whether surgical removal is appropriate.

Diagnosis and Identification – What to Look For

Cysts are typically diagnosed by a medical professional during a physical examination.

Many epidermoid and sebaceous cysts display a characteristic feature known as a central punctum, which appears as a small opening or dark spot on the surface of the cyst. This punctum represents the blocked pore from which the cyst developed.

During evaluation, ICLS assesses several characteristics of the lump, including:

Size and shape
Firmness and mobility
Presence of inflammation
Skin changes around the cyst

In some cases, dermoscopic evaluation or imaging tests may be used to examine the lesion more closely.

It is also important to distinguish cysts from other types of lumps. For example, lipomas are benign fatty tissue growths. Unlike cysts, lipomas tend to feel softer and move more freely under the skin.

Patients should seek professional assessment if the lump:

Becomes painful or inflamed
Continues growing
Develops redness or drainage
Appears in a cosmetically sensitive area, such as the face

Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether cyst excision or another treatment approach is appropriate.

Cyst Removal at ICLS Surgery – Treatment Options

At ICLS Plastic Surgery, surgical removal is the primary treatment for skin cysts.

Unlike temporary solutions such as drainage, surgical excision removes the entire cyst sac, which significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

Dr. Khanna carefully evaluates each cyst to determine the best removal technique based on its size, depth, and location.

Surgical Excision (Complete Removal)

Surgical excision is the most reliable method for permanently removing cysts.

This procedure is typically recommended for:

Large cysts
Recurrent cysts
Infected cysts
Cysts that require full pathology evaluation

During the procedure:

The area is numbed using a local anesthetic
A small incision is made in the skin
The entire cyst sac and its contents are removed
The incision is closed with precise suturing

Removing the cyst sac completely is essential. If part of the sac remains, the cyst may return.

All excised specimens are sent for pathology analysis as standard practice.

Cost:

Face or scalp cyst removal starting at $1,100
Body cyst removal starting at $950 (complexity-dependent)

Shave Excision

Shave excision may be used for superficial cysts, in which the raised portion can be removed flush with the skin surface.

This technique is less common for cysts than for moles but may be appropriate in select cases. Because the cyst is removed at the surface level, sutures are usually not required.

Examples of shave excision outcomes are available in the ICLS cyst removal gallery.

What to Expect – Consultation, Procedure & Recovery

All procedures at ICLS begin with a consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. We evaluate the type, size, depth, and location of each cyst before recommending removal.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, ICLS will perform a visual and physical examination of the cyst.

This appointment typically includes:

Identifying the type of cyst
Reviewing medical and family history
Discussing surgical removal options
Determining whether pathology evaluation is recommended

Patients receive a full explanation of the procedure along with transparent pricing and preparation steps.

This personalized consultation ensures that the recommended treatment is both medically appropriate and aligned with the patient’s goals.

The Cyst Removal Procedure

Cyst removal procedures are performed in an outpatient setting at the accredited ICLS surgical facility.

The procedure typically involves:

Administering a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area
Making a small incision or a punch opening in the skin
Extracting the entire cyst sac and keratin contents
Closing the wound with stitches if necessary
Sending the specimen for pathology analysis

Most cyst removals take 20–40 minutes, depending on the cyst’s size and location.

Because lidocaine is used, the procedure is generally painless.

Recovery, Aftercare & Scarring

Recovery after cyst removal is usually straightforward.

Patients are typically advised to:

Keep the treated area clean and dry
Avoid unnecessary irritation to the site
Protect the area from UV exposure
Follow the provided aftercare instructions

If sutures are used, they are usually removed within 5–7 days.

Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day or the following day.

To support optimal healing, scar management options such as silicone gels may be recommended once the incision has healed.

Because the entire cyst sac is removed during surgery, the risk of recurrence is significantly reduced. However, patients should schedule a follow-up visit if they notice any new lump developing in the area.

Cost of Cyst Removal in Toronto & Oakville

The cost of cyst removal depends on several factors, including the size, number, location, and complexity of the cyst.

Typical pricing includes:

Surgical excision – face or scalp

Starting at $1,100 – $3,000

Surgical excision – body

Starting at $950 – $3,000

Pricing may vary depending on the difficulty of removal or if multiple cysts are treated during the same procedure.

In most cases, cyst removal is not covered by OHIP when performed for cosmetic reasons.

However, OHIP coverage may apply if the cyst is:

Painful
Infected
Medically necessary to remove

Patients should confirm eligibility during consultation.

All prices listed are estimates. A consultation is required to provide a personalized quote based on the specific cyst and surgical approach required.

Why Choose ICLS Surgery for Cyst Removal

ICLS Plastic Surgery is a trusted provider of surgical cyst removal in Oakville, Toronto, Mississauga, and the GTA.

Patients choose ICLS because of:

An accredited surgical facility in Oakville
More than 400,000 patients treated
Over 1,600 five-star reviews on Google and RateMDs
Commitment to patient safety and precise surgical care

At ICLS, complete cyst sac removal is the standard approach, helping minimize recurrence compared to drainage-only treatments.

All removed cysts are sent to pathology, ensuring accurate diagnosis and providing patients with peace of mind.

This surgical expertise distinguishes ICLS from many minor surgery clinics and dermatology-only providers.

Before & After Cyst Removal

At ICLS Plastic Surgery, each cyst removal procedure is tailored to the type and location of the lesion.

Patients often notice smoother skin and relief from irritation after the cyst is completely removed. Viewing real treatment results can help set realistic expectations regarding healing, scar appearance, and overall cosmetic outcomes.

Examples of results include sebaceous cyst excision, punch excision cases, and other surgical cyst removal procedures.

Cyst Removal FAQs

How much does cyst removal cost?

Pricing depends on the type of procedure required. Punch excision starts from $470, surgical excision for facial or scalp cysts starts from $1,100, and surgical excision on the body starts from $950. The final cost depends on the cyst’s size, location, and complexity. A consultation is required to provide an accurate estimate.

Is cyst removal covered by OHIP?

Cyst removal is generally not covered by OHIP when performed for cosmetic reasons. However, coverage may apply if the cyst is infected, painful, or medically necessary to remove. Patients should confirm eligibility with the provider during consultation.

Will a cyst come back after removal?

The risk of recurrence is significantly reduced when the entire cyst sac is removed surgically. If only the contents are drained but the sac remains, the cyst can return. At ICLS Surgery, complete excision of the cyst sac is standard practice to minimize recurrence.

Is cyst removal painful?

Cyst removal is typically not painful because the area is numbed with local anesthetic. Patients may feel mild pressure during the procedure, but discomfort is minimal. Some mild tenderness or swelling may occur afterward and usually resolves within a few days.

What is the difference between a cyst and a lipoma?

Cysts are enclosed sacs containing keratin or fluid, often with a central punctum. They typically feel firm under the skin. Lipomas, on the other hand, are soft lumps made of fatty tissue and tend to move more freely beneath the skin. Both are benign and can be removed surgically.

Can I remove a cyst at home?

Attempting to squeeze or remove a cyst at home is not recommended. Doing so can lead to infection, scarring, or incomplete removal of the cyst sac, thereby increasing the risk of recurrence. A minor surgical procedure performed by a qualified surgeon is safer and more effective

How long does cyst removal surgery take?

Most cyst removal procedures take 20–40 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cyst. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home shortly afterward.

Do you send removed cysts to pathology?

Yes. At ICLS Surgery, all removed cysts are sent to pathology as standard practice. This confirms that the lesion is benign and provides additional reassurance for patients.