Sebaceous cyst removal - atheroma - comfortable and with only one intervention
A sebaceous cyst (atheroma) up to 7 or 8 mm in size is removed by radio waves with only one painless intervention that lasts for 20 to 40 seconds (using an anesthetic cream) and with almost imperceptible scarring.
What are sebaceous cysts (atheroma) and why do they occur?
Atheroma or epidermoid cysts are caused by obstruction of the sebaceous ducts or due to swelling of the hair follicles. Since the sebaceous glands are exocrine glands – with outer discharge or secretions, if the discharge duct is clogged they cannot be emptied. Then they increase in volume and appear in the form of whitish bumps on the skin – filled with whitish contents.
Except for tallow, atheroma also contains keratin and cells of the outer layer of the hair.
In order to achieve a long-term result, it is advisable to remove the entire gland with the capsule.
How to identify atheroma (sebaceous cyst)?
In most cases, a whitish knot is noticeable – a bump on or under the skin that moves when pressed and is elastic. The atheroma can be also skin color or reddish, and grow over the years. The skin in this area is smooth, hairless, and often enlarged capillaries are visible.
They mostly appear on the face, head (hairy area), chest, genital area, neck and back, but can occur elsewhere on the body except the soles and palms.
The unpleasant fat odor in the bump is made of keratin, a protein that creates sebaceous glands. A person can have atheroma for years that can range from the size of a pea grain to the size of a chicken egg.
Who is susceptible to develop sebaceous cysts?
Atheroma often occurs after puberty, rarely in women, therefore it is linked to the male hormone – testosterone. In women, they occur more often on the hairy part of the head.
Sebaceous cysts occur more to people who intensively use the tanning booth or excessive sunbathing, as well as those who have had acne during their adolescence.
How is a diagnosis made?
Clinical examination is generally sufficient to determine whether the change that has occurred in the skin is atheroma. In addition, dermoscopy can be done to avoid replacing it with lipoma, fibrolipoma, and neurofibroma.
Why atheroma removal?
There are several reasons why patients consult an expert at Diva Clinic for sebaceous cysts removal:
aesthetic,
practical (when located in the place of constant irritation),
when they notice a sudden growth,
physical injury of the atheroma and
infection.
If the atheroma begins to enlarge, this is the right time to remove it to avoid injury and inflammation, leading to more complex treatment.
When a sebaceous cyst is injured due to its size or the location of the skin, bleeding and infection may occur, as well as a local increase in skin temperature. Followed by redness, pain, and swelling. If tallow begins to leak from the atheroma, an unpleasant odor occurs.
How to remove a sebaceous cyst?
The experience of medical specialists at Diva Clinic shows that the best way to eliminate sebaceous cysts (atheroma) up to 7 or 8 mm in size is by radio waves, because:
If an epidermoid cyst infection has already occurred, then the procedure is more complicated and painful. First, the cyst needs to be opened and cleaned. Only after the inflammation has subsided, the sebaceous cyst can be removed.
can sebaceous cysts be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no proven way to prevent sebaceous cysts from forming. The advice is to use oil-free skincare products to reduce the possibility of clogging of sebaceous glands.
