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SURGical dermatology
Cyst and lipoma removal in Richardson, TX
Lumps under the skin diagnosed and removed in the office by a board-certified dermatologist who sees every patient herself.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
What are cysts and lipomas
Cysts and lipomas are the two most common lumps under the skin. A cyst is a closed sac filled with keratin, a soft, thick material, and it often has a small dark opening on top. A lipoma is a soft, rubbery lump of fat cells that moves easily under your finger.
Both are benign, meaning they are not cancer, and neither has to be removed. Cysts can become inflamed, swollen and painful, though, and both can grow or sit where they rub against clothing. Any new or growing lump should be examined to confirm what it is.
When to see a dermatologist
A lump is growing, painful or changing
A cyst is red, swollen, tender or draining
A lump catches on clothing or sits where it bothers you
You want to know what a lump is
Lumps we remove
Epidermoid cysts. The most common cyst, found on the face, neck, chest and back, and often called a sebaceous cyst.
Pilar cysts.Firm, smooth lumps on the scalp that tend to run in families.
Inflamed cysts. Red, swollen, painful cysts that need to be calmed before they can be removed.
Lipomas. Soft, fatty lumps on the trunk, shoulders, arms and thighs.
Milia. Tiny white cysts on the face.
Treatment
How cysts and lipomas are removed
Removal is a minor procedure done in the office with local numbing. To keep a cyst from returning, the whole sac has to come out, which is why squeezing or draining one at home does not work.
Surgical excision. The lump and its sac are removed through a small incision, and the skin is closed with stitches.
Small-incision removal. A smaller opening for suitable cysts, which leaves a smaller scar.
Treating inflamed cysts. A steroid injection or drainage to settle a painful cyst, with removal later once it is calm.
Lab analysis. The tissue is sent to a lab to confirm the diagnosis.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
Exam first. Dr. Riemenschneider examines the lump and confirms what it is.
Numbing and removal. The area is numbed with a small injection, and you are awake and comfortable during the procedure.
Aftercare. You leave with wound care instructions, and stitches come out in one to two weeks.
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about cysts and lipomas
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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Almost never. Both are benign growths. A lump that grows quickly, feels hard or fixed in place, or is painful should be examined promptly.
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A cyst that is removed with its whole sac rarely returns. Cysts that have been inflamed or drained before are harder to remove completely, so there is a small chance of regrowth.
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Please do not. Squeezing a cyst pushes its contents deeper, which causes inflammation and infection, and the sac left behind simply refills.
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You feel a brief pinch from the numbing injection and then pressure, not pain. Removal leaves a fine line scar, usually shorter than the lump was wide.
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Most people return to normal daily activities the next day. Depending on the location, you may be asked to avoid heavy exercise until the stitches come out.
Related care Mole removal Skin tag and benign growth removal Hidradenitis suppurativa Keloids and scars All surgical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026.
Plan your visit
See a dermatologist for cyst or lipoma removal in Richardson
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300