How much does cyst removal cost?
How much does cyst removal cost?
$3,600 – $6,000 cost for surgical removal at a hospital
$1,600 – $2,800 cost for surgical removal at a surgery center
Average cyst removal cost
Cyst removal surgery costs $1,600 to $6,000 on average without insurance, depending on the facility and type of cyst. However, total costs can exceed $10,000 for complex cyst removal or hospital procedures requiring general anesthesia. Cyst drainage costs $300 to $900 but is less effective than surgery and the cyst may return.
| Removal method | Average cost (outpatient hospital)* |
Average cost (surgery center)* |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | $3,600 – $6,000 | $1,600 – $2,800 |
| Needle aspiration | $400 – $800 | $200 – $500 |
| Drainage with incision | $550 – $900 | $300 – $600 |
*Cash price without insurance; not including anesthesia or diagnostic tests
Cyst removal cost factors
Insurance
Insurance coverage is the biggest factor impacting the cost of removing a cyst. The average cost for cyst removal with insurance is $900 to $1,100 if an in-network provider performs the procedure, compared to $1,600 to $6,000+ without insurance.
Cyst type & location
Different types of cysts develop in certain areas of the body and vary in complexity, requiring different surgical approaches. Cysts in sensitive or challenging-to-access areas may also require specialized expertise or removal techniques, increasing costs.
Epidermal inclusion cysts are fluid-filled pockets that form below the surface of the skin, creating a lump or bump. These cysts are the most common type and are often mistakenly referred to as sebaceous cysts.
Sebaceous cysts are epidermal cysts filled with sebum, an oily substance generated by sebaceous glands.
Pilar cysts, also called trichilemmal cysts, grow around hair follicles. Pilar cysts most commonly appear on the scalp but can also appear on the arms, legs, face, or neck.
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form over joints and tendons in the hands and wrists.
Pilonidal cysts form near the tailbone and top of the buttocks. These cysts typically occur when a hair punctures and becomes embedded in the skin. If infected, a pilonidal cyst can be extremely painful.
Other cost factors
These additional factors also impact the cost of cyst removal:
Cyst size & depth: Deeply embedded cysts may require more intricate procedures, leading to higher costs. Removal costs increase for larger cysts as they require careful suturing to minimize or hide scarring.
Removal method: Cyst removal surgery costs significantly more than drainage or needle aspiration. However, non-surgical methods are less effective at complete removal, resulting in a higher likelihood the cyst will return.
Healthcare provider & facility: Cyst removal at a hospital costs 45% to 55% more than having the procedure done at a dermatology surgery center.
Diagnostic tests: A biopsy and pathology exam costs $100 to $200+. Your doctor may biopsy the cyst before removal or send the cells to a pathologist for testing after removal to confirm the cyst is not cancerous. Some cysts may also require imaging via ultrasound prior to removal.
Anesthesia: Most cyst removal procedures require only local anesthesia and oral sedation. Costs increase for complex cyst removal surgeries that require an anesthesiologist to administer general anesthesia and monitor the patient.
How is a cyst removed?
Doctors remove cysts via surgical excision, drainage, or needle aspiration. The most suitable removal method depends on the cyst type, location, and complexity. Before removing the cyst, the doctor will numb the area with local anesthetic or administer general anesthesia.
Surgery: The surgeon makes a small incision over or near the cyst and removes the entire fluid-filled sac, and then sutures the incision closed. Surgical excision is the most effective method for complete cyst removal.
Drainage: The doctor makes a small incision over or near the cyst and drains the fluid without removing the outer sac, then stitches the incision closed. This method typically alleviates pain and eliminates the lump, but it may result in incomplete removal and the cyst may return.
Needle aspiration: The doctor inserts a thin needle directly into the cyst and uses a syringe to drain the fluid. This method alleviates pain and makes the bump less noticeable, but the cyst may return.
After removing the cyst via surgery or drainage, the doctor may cover the incision with surgical strips and a gauze dressing. This dressing can typically be removed at home after 24 to 48 hours. Follow your doctor's aftercare recommendations to prevent infection and minimize scarring.
How long does cyst removal surgery take?
Cyst removal surgery takes 30 minutes to an hour for straightforward cases. Removing more complex or larger cysts requires more time for careful excision and closure to ensure optimal healing. Recovery after cyst removal takes 2 to 4 weeks on average.
Does cyst removal hurt?
Cyst removal is performed under local or general anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure. Patients may experience mild soreness or discomfort after the procedure and during the recovery period. Overall, pain during and after cyst removal is usually manageable with prescribed medications and proper wound care.
Cyst removal FAQs
Can a dermatologist remove a cyst?
Yes, a dermatologist can remove a cyst. Dermatologists are skilled in assessing the cyst and determining the most suitable technique for safe and effective removal while minimizing scarring and complications.
Orthopedic surgeons typically remove ganglion cysts, as this type of cyst occurs along tendons and joints in the hand or wrist.
Can urgent care remove a cyst?
Yes, some urgent care centers can remove a cyst. However, the availability of this service depends on the specific urgent care facility and whether they have the necessary equipment and trained medical professionals to perform the procedure.
Will a dermatologist remove a cyst on the first visit?
A dermatologist might remove a cyst on the first visit, depending on the cyst type, size, and location. However, complex cases or those requiring additional tests might require a follow-up appointment for removal.
Does insurance cover cyst removal?
Cyst removal is typically covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary. Most insurance plans do not cover cyst removal done solely for cosmetic purposes.
Can you remove a cyst at home?
Do not try to remove a cyst at home. Attempting to remove a cyst yourself can lead to a painful infection, inflammation, and scarring. In addition, most at-home attempts do not successfully remove all the cells, and the cyst returns. Seek professional medical help for proper diagnosis and safe removal.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.