What to Expect During Cyst Removal Surgery

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we strive to ensure every patient has a safe, comfortable, and successful experience when preparing for cyst removal surgery. Our process begins with a thorough consultation, where our experienced surgeons review your medical history, current medications, and discuss any concerns you may have. During this visit, your surgeon will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to accurately assess the size, location, and characteristics of your cyst.

Once your procedure is scheduled, you’ll receive detailed instructions to help you prepare. Typically, you will need to avoid eating or drinking after midnight before your surgery to minimize anesthesia-related risks. If you take medication, your surgeon will provide guidance on which medications to continue or temporarily stop.

For your convenience and safety, please arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure, as sedation or anesthesia can temporarily impair your ability to drive. On the day of surgery, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and leaving jewelry and valuables at home. You may also be asked to shower with a special antiseptic soap beforehand to help reduce the risk of infection.

Before your procedure begins, you will meet with your team to review the surgical plan and address any last-minute questions. Our team will verify your identity, the surgical site, and your medical history to ensure every detail is correct.

Immediately following your procedure, our staff will closely monitor you in our state-of-the-art facility to ensure there are no immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Once you are stable, you will be discharged with detailed, customized aftercare instructions tailored to the specific size, location, and type of cyst removed, as well as the surgical technique used.

In the first few days post-surgery, it is normal to experience some mild pain, swelling, and bruising near the surgical site. Our physicians may recommend appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers, or prescribe medication if needed, to help manage any discomfort. We emphasize the importance of keeping your incision area clean and dry to prevent infection. Our team will provide clear instructions on wound care, including how to change dressings and recognize early signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever.

If your procedure involved stitches, they may dissolve naturally or require removal at your follow-up visit, typically scheduled within one to two weeks at our office. Most patients treated can resume their normal routines within a few days to a week, depending on the cyst’s size and location.

Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments is important for your recovery. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any questions or concerns. Although complications such as infection, recurrence, or delayed healing are rare, our team is always available to provide prompt care should you notice any unusual symptoms.

The process begins with making sure you are comfortable in our state-of-the-art surgical suite. The area surrounding the cyst is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize any risk of infection. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the site, so you will experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Once the area is numb, your specialist will make a small incision over the cyst, taking great care to avoid rupturing it. This approach helps prevent the cyst’s contents from spilling into surrounding tissue, which can reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The cyst is then gently separated from the surrounding tissue, and in most cases—especially with sebaceous cysts—the entire sac is removed intact. Removing the entire cyst wall is important in preventing the cyst from returning.

After ensuring that the entire cyst has been removed, your surgeon will inspect the area for any remaining tissue. Depending on the size of the incision, the wound is closed with sutures or may be left to heal naturally. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the site and support the healing process.

Before you leave our care, you’ll receive detailed instructions on wound care at home, as well as information about symptoms to watch for that could indicate infection or other complications. In some cases, we may send the removed cyst to a laboratory for further analysis, providing you with peace of mind regarding your health.

The duration of your cyst removal surgery will depend on the size, location, and complexity of the cyst. In most cases, the procedure typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes. For smaller cysts in easily accessible areas, the surgery may be completed in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. Larger or more complex cysts, or those in sensitive locations, may require a longer surgical time.

Your total time at our facility may be longer than the surgical time itself, as it includes preparation beforehand and a brief recovery period afterward.

If you’ve been referred for cyst removal surgery at Phoenix Unified Surgeons, you can rest assured that your care is in expert hands. Dr. Antonino Cammarata, D.O., and our surgical team are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and transparent experience from your first consultation through to your recovery.

• Your Initial Consultation
Dr. Cammarata will review your medical history, examine your cyst, and answer any questions. He’ll discuss the need for surgery based on the cyst’s size, location, and any potential risks.

• Preparing for Surgery
Once surgery is recommended, you’ll receive pre-operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and arranging a ride home.

• Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, Dr. Cammarata will review the procedure with you. Cyst removal is typically done under local anesthesia, but sedation or general anesthesia may be used for larger cysts.

• The Surgical Process
Dr. Cammarata will make a precise incision and remove the cyst along with its sac to minimize the risk of recurrence. The area will be checked to ensure all material is removed.

• Recovery and Support
After surgery, you’ll be monitored briefly, and most patients return home the same day. Mild discomfort and swelling are normal.

Dr. Cammarata will provide care instructions and discuss any possible risks. Our team is here to support you throughout your recovery. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.