Cyst removal on the face: before and after

The clinician examines the lump, its opening, signs of inflammation and its position near the eye, nose, mouth or hairline. They explain the planned method, anaesthetic, dressing and likely scar location. Removal may be deferred when the cyst is acutely inflamed because swollen tissue can make the procedure less straightforward. Share medicines, allergies, previous scar problems and any change in the lump.

Keep the dressing in place for the time advised and keep the wound clean and protected. Avoid rubbing, picking, heavy stretching of the area or applying makeup until you have been told it is suitable. Attend any planned wound or suture review. Once the surface has healed, ask when scar care and sun protection can begin. More detail is available in Cyst Removal.

Contact the clinic for bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure, increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, wound separation or swelling that suddenly worsens. Facial swelling affecting vision, breathing or swallowing needs urgent assessment. A firm or enlarging lump near the scar also deserves review rather than repeated self-treatment.

Ask where the incision will be, whether stitches are expected, how to wash the area, when normal activities can resume and what scar changes are expected. Ask how recurrence would be assessed if another lump forms.