A few years ago three pilar cysts appeared on my scalp. For those that aren’t familiar with them, they are cysts that form around the hair follicles, usually on the scalp, and are also known as trichilemmal cysts or wens. I spoke to a hairdresser friend about them. She said that she sees them all the time and they are very common. The cysts are benign and generally painless. That said, you may wish to have a look at pilar cyst removal like I did.
How Pilar Cysts Affected My Life
Two of my three cysts were no bother at all. They were neatly hidden under my hair and weren’t particularly large. One though was a problem. It was right on the crown of my head and positioned in my natural parting. It was also bigger than the other two. Being visible meant that I felt self conscious about it, although this was probably unnecessary as the only person that ever commented on it was my brother and I’d had it a few years before he noticed. As I’m quite tall, it was usually only visible if I was sitting down and bending forward. I tried to change the line of my parting without success. My hair just didn’t want to change its ways and the bump was getting larger (not much, but a little).
This bigger cyst was also getting slightly sore. I’m a clumsy person and I would keep banging it. Being right on the top of my head it would get the full force every time I banged my head, which was reasonably often as I have sloping ceilings at home. I was also finding that I was bumping on the roof of the car if I went over a bump (I have a long torso so my head is often close to the roof in a car) or sometimes just after yoga (that seemed to make me taller). Plus I had to stop doing some of the yoga poses that I’d previously been able to do, like head stand, as it was right where I needed to put pressure on my head and it didn’t like that pressure.
Medical Consultations
I went to see my GP twice to see if I could get them removed, or even just the big central one. They said no. The NHS doesn’t generally do that any more (sadly – I think they should, but I understand that resources are limited). It seems I didn’t meet the criteria, even though it was often sore and was causing me some distress because I felt self-conscious about it. I’d been looking into getting it removed privately and then my dad offered to pay for it. My shopping around suggested you could get one cyst removed for anything between about £350 and £1000. I ended up having all three cysts removed privately by a plastic surgeon, who also worked in the NHS for our well-known, respected regional hospital, for £700. You can get an idea of pricing for surgery from looking at websites. To get an accurate price for your case you’ll need to have a consultation though.
To begin with I went for a consultation which was free. I then booked in for the procedure for pilar cyst removal. Afterwards I went back a few weeks later for a follow up check up. All these appointments were carried out at a well appointed, private clinic that provided services from hair removal and hair transplants to botox and fillers. This meant that the surroundings were very pleasant and there were good parking facilities. I was even provided with a hot drink while I waited.
Pilar Cyst Surgery Removal Aftercare
The surgery involved a local anesthetic injection into my scalp. The cysts were then removed and I had dissolvable stitches put in afterwards. It took about 30 minutes in total. Once the local took effect, there was no pain, but I could feel some movement as the surgeon worked. There was no need to shave or remove any hair. I was given a private prescription for painkillers and antibiotics.
Pilar cyst removal aftercare is fairly simple. The wound didn’t really hurt that much afterwards. I needed painkillers that evening – I took the prescribed co-codamol. In the morning though I was ok with just paracetamol and after that I didn’t bother.
Washing Your Hair After Pilar Cyst Removal
You can’t wash your hair for 48 hours, so I’d wash it before your operation, but inevitably there will be some dried blood in your hair. Then you need to use a gentle shampoo. You’ll need to be careful with your hair brush and comb while you heal. The stitches did come out along the way and there was only one left at my follow up appointment. The surgeon removed that one for me at the time.
Pilar cyst removal results
I’m really pleased with the results. There is a small scar, but it’s less noticeable than the cyst and I think it will fade further with time. It’s already (at seven weeks post op) less red than the cyst that came before and it’s also flat which is a major advantage. If I have any further cysts develop I think I will get them removed too. I’m so glad to see the back of them and the amount of discomfort was minimal in relation to the results for me. However, if I’d just had the two smaller cysts, rather than the bigger one as well, I probably wouldn’t have bothered getting them removed as they were invisible under the hair and didn’t cause any discomfort.
Update: August 2020 I’m really pleased still with the results. The cysts haven’t grown back. For two of them (including the big one in my parting) I can’t feel a scar at all and they aren’t noticeably visible. One of the smaller ones I think I can feel a scar for, but it’s not something that’s an issue and you can’t see it as it’s covered by my hair.
Update June 2023 Still very happy with the results. I’ve had no new cysts and the old ones haven’t grown back. I can’t feel anything that I think might be a scar anymore and there’s no noticeably visible scar either. Very happy that I had them removed.
Did you feel dizzy after the removal? It has passed three days and still feel dizzy some times. I didn’t get antibiotics
No I didn’t feel dizzy. I felt a bit distant from events for an hour or two. A little pain once the local wore off, but easily dealt with.
I have one of those cyst on in the middle of my head it’s started to be very painful, when I go to the doctor Tuesday hope I get scheduled to get it out because it’s hard for me to sleep and put my hair up. It feel like my hair is pulling. I had this on my head for years but it’s never had bother me before until it started this week. If it painful will it hurt to get it remove ?
One of my cysts was a bit sore before removal, but it didn’t seem to make a difference to the amount of pain. I didn’t find that I had much pain, more a bit of discomfort, through the whole process. Good luck!
Me too! My third day post surgery and feeling really dizzy almost to point of blacking out.
Oh my god I’m so glad you have posted about this I felt like a freak having these in my head as everyone I know or talk to hasn’t heard of them or hasn’t got them, they have really got me down and made me self conscious. I’ve googled many times and even saw one comment by a professional that it was best to leave them than get them removed as it can leave bald patches and worse. I also was told by my doctor it was something i had to pay private for. I have one that’s very painful and I find it hard to sleep on so I don’t sleep well and the other like you is right on top of my head and also slowly getting bigger. I’m quite scared about the op in case they damage my hair follicles and I’m left with bald patches ?.
I’m glad you had a positive experience as this is the first I’ve read. Do you think there’s a way of preventing them? Sorry for the essay.
I don’t know about preventing them. The key thing my doctor said was to fully remove the cyst bag, so they don’t refill over time. I’ve had no recurrence and no new ones as yet. I’d certainly pay to have them removed in the future, especially if they were somewhere that was causing problems for me. I believe it’s true about the baldness, but this hasn’t been an issue for me as two were well covered by hair (above and around) and only small. The one in my parting could have been more problematic, but the surgeon cut out a small piece of skin here to make that less obvious. It just looks like an normal parting now. I would recommend getting a good plastic surgeon to do it for you though as with having one in a prominent place, it’s more important to get a good result. Hope you can get yours sorted.
I did two times surgery at the same place(exactly at the top partying area of my head) and this is the third time it’s reoccurring. I am feeling so sad. I had a very healthy bulky hair but here doctors are remove surrounded hair while surgery and now hair volume also reduced.. I don’t want to do surgery again.. Don’t know why it’s reoccurring also so worried about it..
Oh that’s annoying. I can understand why that would make you sad. Is it because they didn’t fully remove the cyst sac maybe? I’ve heard that can happen. Have the doctors said why it’s happening?
I’ve had these since I was young, got 3 removed over time but I’m in the US and no longer have insurance for that, so I have 8-10 decent sized cysts now ? I always worry my hairdresser is grossed out! I’d look into getting the one that interferes with your sleep removed. I feel like that should be affecting your life enough to warrant the nhs to cover.. But I really don’t know of course. I have a little bit of a scar from one of them, and the very first one I got removed has started to come back (but that procedure had multiple issues from the start, like they didn’t numb me enough. So probably poor technique). And even the one that scarred hasn’t left much of a bald spot, maybe the exact line where the scar is but it really isn’t noticeable unless you feel around for it.
I’m a hairdresser and no , we are not grossed out .. I’ve just had 3 removed from my scalp. It runs in my family and I assume, over time , I will develop more . No big deal
I had a hairdresser that exclaimed on two visits What a bumpy head I had! I never went back. Did my own hair for five years until one cyst got larger. I had six removed, general anesthesia surgery and breathing tube , the works. But now I can go to a hairdresser again as soon as my hair grows back but not that one lol.
The cheek of that hairdresser! Don’t blame you for not wanting to go back. Glad you are all sorted now Michelle.
Hey Dawn!
I’d very much recommend having them removed. I have had about 5, but one in particular was an inch from my forehead. It grew quickly, the area all around was painful and I got a big bald patch over it because it got infected without me realising. If you are concerned about losing hair after having them removed, I’d suggest you see a plastic surgeon, as I did when I had the issue. He said the hair would not grow back where it fell out, but he was a master with the scalpel and I only have a thin scar, no more bald patch, which was a big concern because it was close to the forehead and the bald patch itself was about 3/4 inch wide.
It’s very easy to catch them while combing/brushing, and that can sometimes cause infections, as it happened to me. I just had 2 more removed 3 days ago, and 2 more left to remove next time. I am not going to give them any chances to cause more trouble. 🙂
Mine were sent off to pathology as well, because, as I was told, these proliferating cysts, in extremely rare cases can turn malignant, so better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck with yours!!
Thank you for this post. I have had one for 14 years that is similar to yours at your part. I was glad to find a personal account of the surgery.
Thanks for commenting Greta. I’m glad it was helpful. I wish you well with whatever you decide to do.
Thank you so much for your post. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week in regards to having several removed and have been driving myself crazy with vision of them shaving my head, loads of stitches and scars.
Feeling much better now though the idea of a needle in the scalp for a local holds its own little anxiety ignition.
If I was good with needles my face would be a lot less expressive.
I hope it all goes well Jillian. I’m so thankful I got mine removed.
Mine are making my life hell ?
I have to constantly where my hair in a pony tail, because I have a cluster of them on one side and they are quite big.. if I where my hair down you can see one poking through my hair now.. and I have more on the other side in different places.
I deliberately popped one with a pin that was on my hair line a year ago, abs it drained over a space of 2 weeks, before it started to drain though, it was painful. it has gone and the hair grew back.
My hair is so long it touched the bottom of my back.. but because I havnt been to a hairdresser in 4 years, it’s now getting thin and needs trimming to thicken it up.
I don’t want to be put to sleep, as I have kids and don’t want to risk it when it’s not life saving surgery. but that’s what the doctor has said the dermatologist will want to do because of how many I have. also I’m scared they will want to shave them.
I just want my life back!
Sounds horrible. Might be worth seeing if you can find someone who will do a local anesthetic. There was no mention of the idea of putting me to sleep when I had mine done. It was all done under local. Maybe ask the dermatologist because maybe the doctor got it wrong.
Got one removed near the crown of my head…today is day 3 and my forehead is still kind of swollen going down to my left eye…she used lidocaine…is this normal?
I’m sorry I don’t know. Hope the swelling goes down soon.
I’m so happy to read this as I’ve been trying to find information from someone who has had them and removed them. I’ve got a few harmless small ones to the right of my scalp but one large one a few inches above my ear on the left side of my head which unfortunately has been infected so is being removed tomorrow.
Hope all went well for you today Katie. I think some of them are in tricky positions which are more likely to get knocked/infected.
Thank you for sharing. I’m scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. I’m just wondering did your hair grow back around it? If so how long till it’s completely covered up again. I’m a little stressed out at mine has created a bald spot and worried my hair won’t grow back?
I’m afraid Mia that wasn’t really something I noticed. The main cyst was in my parting (and had left a bald spot) and the surgeon had cut a little bit of skin out to make sure that didn’t leave a bald patch (you can’t tell it was ever there now unless you look very closely for a small scar) – the surgeon may be able to do something similar for you, so I would ask about it. The other two were always covered by my long hair, so it wasn’t very noticeable. I hope you have a good experience.
Hi I’ve just had one removed ( yesterday) was about 2cm height length and looked like a peach stone. My question is when can I wash my hair? Do I remove the patch the nurse put on top or do I leave it on till I have the stitches removed which is in 10 days time. Also I like to swim and cycle I know swimming is out until the wound has healed but can I use my smart trainer instead of going out and about on my bike. I was given no antibiotics? Should I have? Any replies appreciated
I was told to wait 48 hours before washing my hair. I think getting some exercise would be great – I was told to avoid swimming and yoga (I do quite advanced yoga) for a while. I think anything that doesn’t risk infection and doesn’t put strain or weight on the affected area would be great. I think the antibiotics were a precaution to prevent infection, so some doctors might not consider them necessary. Hope you heal well and quickly.
I’ll be going in soon for one marble size cyst. Did they wrap a bandage around your head or did they just leave it open and uncovered after the procedure?
There was no dressing or bandage afterwards. The wound was all stitched up and obviously I was a bit careful not to knock the sites of the cysts whilst they healed. If you want some protection a hat would probably be fine – I didn’t have any bleeding or any other seepage afterwards. Good luck with your cyst removal!
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! 🙂
Hi Erica, thank you for sharing. That is such a great article. I have a fairly large one an inch away from my forehead (centre parting). I was wondering if you could tell me where did you get yours done? Thank you.
Oh mine was in a fairly similar location although a bit further back towards the crown of my head. I got mine done at https://www.skinandfollicle.com/ Good luck!
I have two small Pilar cysts on my scalp, and they are under my hair, and hair still grows through them. I’m wanting to get them removed, but I’m afraid of the thought of the dermatologist cutting/shaving my hair. I have a very dense head of hair, and have wondered if the doctor can just part my hair to see on the skin above the cyst, so they can make the incision and get them out, without having to shave hair. Based on your results, this looks like something they did. Is that even possible?
Yes they just parted the hair to remove mine. One was in the parting, so that was easy, but the other two were under my hair. My hair probably isn’t as dense as yours, but the surgeon seemed to have no problem just parting the hair to get to them.
I am the biggest baby of all. I had a cyst on the left side of my head for the last 8-10 years. Once a year I’d ask my Dermatoligist if it was getting bigger. The answer was no. Went for my yearly checkup in December and ask the same question. She said let’s just remove it so you won’t worry about it. My appt was today. I was a nervous wreck. To my surprise it was a piece of cake. Even the lidocaine wasn’t that bad. She told me if feel a little prick and stinging. I did feel that for 3-5 seconds. Then it was nothing. My cyst was about the size of a marble. Had 2 stitches put in and will get them taken out in 10 days. Did not even bleed much. Don’t think I have any dried blood in my hair and she didn’t shave my head. No pain this evening. Said I could wash my hair gently tomorrow. No pain this evening. Hope this help the others who are scared.
Glad it went so well Dee. It’s really a simple procedure, but it’s understandable that people get nervous. Hopefully reading other people’s experiences will help.
Thanks so much for posting this. I am going next week to have mine removed and I’m so scared of the shot in my head. Trying to not panic and look forward to having it gone. Thanks again!
Thank you for this. I have 9 ? to be removed and I’m having the first done tomorrow and I am terrified! Biggest wimp ever
Hope all went well Jo.
My experience was similar. Just did it quickly at the derms office. Easy pleasy… so easy I’m getting 5 more removed over the next 5 weeks. 2 next time and 3 the last time m boom done
I have today just had one small cyst removed from under my scalp, you couldn’t see it only felt by touch but it was tender and causing pain. I went with a private plastic surgeon paid £100 for the initial consultation last week & £300 for the removal. I was so worried about having my head shaved but the nurse took her time to seperate my hair and gel it down so the surgeon could easily get to the cyst. No shaved head. Woohoo! The local injection is uncomfortable but bare able. And felt nothing at all during the process afterwards. Home now, head slightly sore but have taken some naproxen. If this is something you are considering, I would 100% say go for it. I’m so pleased with the outcome .
I go Monday for my consultation might be removal the same day I’m petrified about the whole thing the op what I might be left looking like afterwards, having to go into work the next day I work in a school and children can’t help themselves but comment. The cost of the treatment as I’ve had to go private. I have no idea if the surgeon is any good i have looked him up I’m just so scared. Mine is right at the front and on the side .
Thank you for this post Erica and all others who have shared experiences. I’m booked into private consultant on Wednesday at noon for consultation and possibly removal of three pilar cysts on the same day. I’ve been searching for info from someone who has had three removed in one go. This post has given me some reassurance as I’m a little nervous but was more wondering if I will need to take time off from work (office based job) for a day or two? I guess it depends on each individual’s experience but hopefully one day off (which I’ve planned for) might be enough or I might not need it at all. Fingers crossed
Hope it goes well Claire. To be honest I didn’t feel I needed time off afterwards for pain or discomfort or recovery. I had the procedure in the afternoon and was fine by the next morning, so hopefully you will be too. I think for a morning procedure you’d probably want the day off. Obviously the downside afterwards is not being able to wash your hair for a couple of days and that will be more of an issue for some than others. Working from home would be ideal for a few days afterwards. Depending on the placement of the cysts washing a fringe might be possible I suppose. Good luck!
Thanks again Erica. Surgery went and all 3 cysts were removed yesterday. Head is a bit sore and tender today as two of them were close together so using some pain relief. I’m looking forward to washing my hair tomorrow. Overall I’m fine and procedure went well. I’d recommend the procedure to others considering it. The local anaesthetic really numbs the area and there’s no pain.
Hello,
Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and thoughts. I wish I came across this sooner.
I am in the US and had 3 cysts removed January 2020.
Two of them are hidden and one is not, due to the natural partition of my hair. The hair has not grown back and the visible bald spot makes me self conscious and sad.
I think I want to get a hair transplant but I am afraid of having another procedure and fear it may not be successful, which could leave me in a worse situation than my current one.
Any advice?
Hello Cristina Sorry to hear that the hair didn’t grow back and it’s left a bald patch. Obviously I haven’t seen your head/hair and I’m not a medical expert in any case so can’t give advice, but would it be potentially possible to remove a little bit of skin in that spot to reduce the amount of bare skin? My cyst was on my centre parting and the surgeon removed a little bit of extra skin up there when he took out the cyst. The scar wasn’t any bigger for doing that and that’s soon faded. It might be worth asking for some professional advice, as I think it’s possible that a hair transplant could be more costly and troublesome. Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Reading a lot of the comments is starting to calm me down. I had planned to have mine removed while being put asleep but one of mine burst and it needs to be removed as soon as possible and a surgery to be put under won’t happen as quickly.
I’m in a lot of pain and just so ready for these cysts to be gone. The one thing I’m really anxious about is the shot in my head. How bad is it? Thanks so much again.
Hi Rachel I didn’t find the injection too bad at all. I hope it all goes well. I’m sure you’ll be very glad to get rid of those cysts.
Hi
I had mine removed today
I was terrified but is not bad as it looks
The anaesthetic only stings for a second and I did not feel anything after
5 hours post surgery now and I don’t have any pain
I did two times surgery at the same place(exactly at the top partying area of my head) and this is the third time it’s reoccurring. I am feeling so sad. I had a very healthy bulky hair but here doctors are remove surrounded hair while surgery and now hair volume also reduced.. I don’t want to do surgery again.. Don’t know why it’s reoccurring also so worried about it..
Hi there. I am in Canada and had 5 cysts removed from my scalp yesterday afternoon. The procedure was exactly as you described and because of the number of cysts removed, I have dried blood in my matted longer dark hair. Waiting patiently to shower this afternoon at the 24 hour mark. Had pain 2 hours post op and in the middle of the night so Advil was most helpful. Not too bad this morning. I go back 9 days later for suture removal. So far so good. My daughter is a RN so she is keeping an eye on the incision sites for me. The cysts were successfully removed in their entirety so hopeful for no reaccumulation and I was not prescribed antibiotics.
Glad it went well Patti. I hope your recovery continues to go well.
Hi I had my third cyst removed Monday. The first one my GP removed in 2004 and he did a botched job. Worse still it’s right at the front of my hairline and I already had alopecia so it looks like a bald patch. I hope in time a doctor can repair the scar.
Second one was removed in 2013 by the dermatologist and he did an excellent job. I’m wondering when I can wash my hair now, the antibiotic cream that I was prescribed is greasy so my hair looks an oily mess. The doctor used non dissolveable stitches and 7 staples so I’m very cautious. Do you think 4/5 days is too soon? Kind regards
I’ve only just seen this comment sorry. I think I’d be cautious because of the non dissolveable stitches. I had antibiotic tablets so I didn’t have the cream. Hope you are hearing well now.
Hi Erica – I am having 3 cysts removed from my head this week. Do you think I can get my hair highlighted in 5 weeks?
I’m no expert Kim. I would ask the doctor when you go. I think it would have been ok for me as stitches all gone and scalp healed nicely. Hopefully you’ll be similar.
Hello. Can you help me. I am having minor surgery to remove one from my head, though it isn’t painful ever. I have already suffered hair thinning etc so do not want to lose anymore. Will they have to shave and will I have a thinned/more bald patch where they do the incision? Will I be in pain? Should I just not bother getting it done. How long to heal? Thank you
Hi Johnny
I don’t think they will have to shave, but ask the doctor. There’s no pain really as during the operation they will probably numb the area and afterwards you should be ok with over the counter painkillers, but my doctor prescribed some stronger ones that I didn’t actually need. Healing took a few weeks. I’m not sure about thinning hair. The main cyst I had removed was in my parting and the doctor got rid of some of the excess skin so that there wasn’t a large bald patch. It just looks like part of my parting. For me it meant that there was less hair missing because the excess skin from the cyst was removed (if that makes sense).
Thanks for this article. A bit of a strange question but do they weigh you before the procedure? Thanks in advance.
No they didn’t Cally. That might be because it was only a local anesthetic.
I had one removed about 1 inch from my ear. It has been 3 weeks now and still sore. Was yours sore for this long? I am waiting to hear back from the dr.
No mine were only sore for a few days afterwards really. I think you are right to check with the doctor. Hope it heals up soon.
I had an abscess drained and then another surgical procedure 11 months later to have it removed because it was starting to grow back. After removal I was stitched with dissolvable and super glued. The cavity where the cyst was excised from became swollen 9 days after surgery. It is 23 days after surgery and the cavity is still inflamed. It is so swollen, it looks like the cyst is still under the skin. I saw the cyst after removal, and I also took pictures with sutures and glue and everything was flat. Have you had this experience with prolonged swelling/inflammation?
Sorry to hear that Andrew. Hope it heals well soon.
Hi Erica,
I asked a question about swelling and a lump still being present 2 weeks after cyst removal. It seems you have deleted the comment. Do you care to address it? How long did swelling last for you?
Hi where did you have removed please, which clinic?
Thanks
Skin & Follicle in Birmingham. It was a few years ago now, so make sure you do your own research about them or any clinic you use.
Hi, I wanted to thank Erica for this blog. I had a pilar cyst removed on August 2 and had the stitches removed today. I looked all over for information, and this was the most helpful resource. The procedure was painless with a local (mine was pretty small), and I have some very minor swelling at the incision site, but the dermatologist said it should flatten out. I had some slight pain the day of the surgery but overall, nothing more than a headache would feel like.
Thank you for the lovely feedback Kate – I found it difficult to find the information I wanted before I had my cysts removed too. I’m glad your procedure went so well.
Hi! I just had a cyst removal today (I actually was googling if I could wear a hat because I still have blood in my hair, apparently my scalp is very vascular, and I wanted to go shopping with a friend before my 48 hours).
For those afraid of getting the procedure, it is a very common one, my doctor said I was the tenth person this week alone for it, so seems pretty normal, and here in the states my insurance covered everything and I only had to pay a $20 copay.
My cyst happened to break, so there was some infection, which made it even more important to have the procedure done, however I never had any discomfort. Those of you mentioning discomfort it is especially important for you to go because your symptoms could be signs of infection and you will want to get that removed before anything bad happens.
The incision line for mine was fairly long, but they don’t shave your head or anything, and the cyst itself strangles your hair follicles, so where they cut you already have lost hair, so don’t worry about a bald spot.
I only received antibiotics from my doctor for after the procedure, was given local anesthetics, and have been taking Tylenol since I got home. The discomfort just feels like pressure if someone were constantly tugging on a small patch of my hair. It isn’t crazy, and while I don’t enjoy being uncomfortable, I can easily forget about it while binging Netflix.
I hope this helps anyone who is worried and on the fence about it! 🙂 This is about your health and not just a bump. I was trying to ignore it too, but it was something that needed to be done, and I’m glad I did it.
Thanks for sharing your story; glad to hear it’s gone well for you – ‘????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ????’ – that’s my main worry, tbh! – I don’t mind pain, it’s the possibility of hair damage that scares me. I’ve had a lump near the top of my scalp for 30+ years; about 20yrs ago it became infected somehow, I took anti-biotics, it fell out leaving a small bald dint-!- then to my great relief, the hair started to re-grow.. But eventually so did the cyst which now seems even bigger, irritating, as well as embarrassing, tho’ most people don’t even notice. So, after watching those ‘skin Dr’ TV shows [which make me feel queasy, yet I keep watching]- I’ve finally asked a GP, who initially tried to dismiss me but I pressed on & have a referral. Obviously I’ll have to wait some time, it’s not urgent in the scheme of things, but it will be great to 1 day be free of it . Good luck to all dealing with the same problem!
I’m glad I came across your post! May I ask what gentle shampoo you used post-op? The surgeon I have seen at a consultation has recommended I use a bar of soap, but I’m not keen on doing that. Thank you
Oh I just used a baby shampoo. It was one I had in the house anyway, but I can’t remember which brand.
You have been very helpful with all of your information on cyst removal. I am getting one removed this week from my scalp. I believe I will also have stitches. How soon after can one color their hair after the stitches are removed?
I’m not sure Jenn. Best to ask when you go I think – feel free to pop back and update the thread here with the answer if you have time. Hope all goes well.
I have had a cyst for years & over the last couple of months it had grown. Had it removed just over a week ago. I live in France & was sedated & given local anaesthetic. I had 6 stitches so you can tell how big it was. The nurse has been coming every other day to clean & check the wound.
I honestly wish I had had it removed earlier but for some daft reason thought it would disappear.
I wish I had read your blog earlier
Mavis that must have been a big one! I hope you recover quickly.
Thank you for writing this article and for the aftercare information as well as updates over the year since the procedure. This has really helped me understand things,
Thank you for sharing your story—your comments are really helpful. I have my surgery scheduled for next week at an NHS GP, and I had to wait about 8-10 months for an appointment. Since the condition has worsened, they’re now ready to proceed with the surgery. However, I’m feeling a bit nervous and wondering if I should have gone to a private clinic instead. I’m also planning to shave my head to make it easier for the doctor during the procedure. I’m concerned about the potential aftereffects and whether it might return later. Do you have any advice or suggestions?
I don’t think there’s a need to shave your head, unless it’s something you don’t mind doing (it probably would make things slightly easier). My surgery was done without any impact on my hair (but I have long hair and would have been reluctant to have it cut) and there was never any suggestion that any part of it needed to be shaved. There were no significant after effects for me and no reoccurance. I believe it is possible for pilar cysts to reoccur if the cyst’s sac isn’t completely removed, but my surgeon removed these in full and even showed them to me afterwards. Good luck with your operation.
Hello thanks for the advice !! I am going to see my dermatologist tomorrow because I have one in the back of my head . I went to the ER and they told me it was a cyst !! I am terribly scared and nervous about this whole procedure!!! Can anyone reassure me I’ll be ok
You’ll be fine. It really is very easy and nothing to worry about. It is a very quick procedure and the healing process doesn’t take long too. Hope all goes well for you.