Surgical Dermatology
Cyst & Lipoma Removal in Tampa
Epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts, lipomas, and other benign skin lumps are extremely common — and very effectively treated with a minor in-office surgical procedure. Dr. Sergay performs precise excisions designed to remove the lesion completely while minimizing scarring.
Types of Lesions
Cysts, Lipomas & Similar Lumps
Dr. Sergay treats a range of benign skin lumps. Understanding the type helps determine the best removal approach.
Epidermoid Cyst
Also called sebaceous cyst (misnomer)
- Firm, dome-shaped bump under the skin
- Often has a visible central punctum (blackhead-like opening)
- Filled with keratin — a soft, white cheesy material
- Most common on face, neck, back, and chest
- Can become inflamed or infected if ruptured
Pilar Cyst
Trichilemmal cyst — arises from hair follicle
- Smooth, mobile lump most common on the scalp
- Often runs in families (autosomal dominant)
- Filled with densely packed keratin — firmer than epidermoid
- Usually asymptomatic but can enlarge over time
- Rarely, can become malignant (proliferating pilar cyst)
Lipoma
Benign fat tumor
- Soft, rubbery, mobile lump beneath the skin
- Most common on back, shoulders, arms, and trunk
- Slow-growing and usually painless
- Not a cyst — composed of fat lobules, not a sac
- Angiolipomas (a subtype) can be tender to pressure
Digital Mucous / Myxoid Cyst
Near finger joints or nails
- Translucent, fluid-filled bump near a finger joint or nail fold
- Associated with underlying joint degeneration (osteoarthritis)
- Can cause nail deformity if near the nail matrix
- Treatment options include aspiration, steroid injection, or excision
The Procedure
What to Expect
Cyst and lipoma removal is a straightforward minor surgical procedure — typically completed in under 30 minutes with minimal downtime.
Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Sergay examines the lesion to confirm diagnosis, assess size and location, and rule out any unusual features. Ultrasound or other imaging is rarely needed for typical cysts and lipomas.
Local Anesthesia
The area is numbed with a lidocaine injection. You may feel a brief sting, then nothing. The removal is completely painless.
Excision
For cysts: a small incision is made and the cyst sac is removed intact — getting the whole sac out is key to preventing recurrence. For lipomas: the fat lobule is shelled out through a carefully placed incision.
Closure
The wound is closed with sutures. Placement and technique are chosen to minimize visible scarring. Most wounds heal well with minimal residual mark.
Pathology
The specimen is sent to a dermatopathologist for confirmation. While cysts and lipomas are almost always benign, pathological confirmation is the standard of care.
Suture Removal
Sutures are removed at a follow-up visit — typically 7–14 days depending on the location. Wound care instructions are provided at the time of surgery.
< 30 min
Typical procedure time
Same Day
Often treated at first visit
Local Only
No general anesthesia needed
Path Report
Every specimen analyzed
Common Questions
Cyst Removal FAQ
Schedule Removal
Ready to Get That Lump Taken Care Of?
Don't put it off. Cysts and lipomas are easily treated in a single, quick office visit. Dr. Sergay can often evaluate and remove at the same appointment.