What is atheroma removal
An atheroma, also known as a sebaceous cyst, is a growth that forms in the skin when the duct of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, so thick content accumulates beneath the surface. Under the fingers it feels like a round, movable lump, often with a tiny point in the middle through which the gland once drained. Atheromas most often appear on the face, neck, behind the ear, on the back and the scalp.
Atheroma removal means the surgical removal of the entire cyst together with its capsule, that is, the sac in which the content accumulates. Removing the capsule is exactly what is key, because if part of it remains in the skin, the cyst easily returns in the same place. That is why simply draining the content is not a lasting solution.
An atheroma is, as a rule, harmless, but it can become unpleasant when it grows, when it becomes inflamed or infected and turns red, swollen and painful. Many patients come precisely when the cyst starts to interfere with everyday life or spoils their appearance in a visible spot.
At the Medical Time center, before the procedure we examine the change and assess whether it is quiet or inflamed, because this determines how and when it is best to remove it. We always design the plan for the specific cyst and the specific patient.
When atheroma removal is indicated
Not every atheroma needs to be removed urgently, but there are clear reasons why the procedure is recommended. A cyst that grows, that becomes repeatedly inflamed or that is aesthetically bothersome is best dealt with by removing it in full while it is quiet.
During the conversation we assess how much the change bothers you, whether it has ever been inflamed and where it is located. This information helps us choose the right time and way to remove it.
- A cyst that grows or enlarges over time
- Repeated inflammation or infection of the atheroma
- Pain, redness and swelling at the site of the cyst
- An atheroma in a visible spot that is aesthetically bothersome
- A cyst in a spot exposed to friction from clothing or combing
- Leakage of unpleasant content from the cyst
- A feeling of pressure or discomfort at the site of the growth
- A change that keeps returning after an earlier drainage
How atheroma removal is performed
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia, so only the area around the cyst is numbed while you are awake and pain-free. The surgeon makes a small incision over the atheroma and carefully frees the cyst from the surrounding tissue, with the aim of removing it in full, together with its capsule.
Removing the complete sac is the most important part of the procedure because it significantly reduces the possibility that the cyst reappears. If the atheroma is inflamed or infected at the time of the examination, it is sometimes wiser to first calm the inflammation and perform the complete removal once the area has settled, because the whole capsule is then removed more easily and safely.
Finally, the wound is carefully sutured, with attention paid to making the scar as inconspicuous as possible, especially when the cyst is on the face or neck. The removed tissue can be sent for examination if needed, for additional reassurance.
Preparation
Preparation for atheroma removal is usually simple. At the examination we assess the size and position of the cyst and whether it is quiet or inflamed, because this determines when it is best to perform the complete removal. The goal is to carry out the procedure at the most favorable moment.
At the consultation it is important that you are open and tell us everything that could affect the course of the procedure and wound healing, so we can plan the operation calmly and safely.
- Tell the doctor which medications you take, especially blood thinners
- Report allergies, chronic illnesses and earlier problems with wound healing
- State whether the cyst has previously been inflamed or infected
- On the day of the procedure wear comfortable clothing that does not press on the operation site
- Follow the instructions received at the consultation
- Plan for a calm day after the procedure, without demanding obligations
The procedure, anesthesia and duration
Removal of a quiet atheroma is most often performed under local anesthesia and is one of the shorter procedures. Since you are awake, you feel no pain, at most a slight pressure, and the surgeon can explain what is being done during the operation itself.
The duration depends on the size and position of the cyst, as well as on whether the area was previously inflamed. Smaller and quiet cysts are removed more quickly, while larger changes or those in sensitive spots require a somewhat more careful approach.
After the procedure the area is dressed, and as a rule you can go home soon. You receive clear instructions on wound care and on when to come for a follow-up and suture removal if that is needed.
Recovery
Recovery after atheroma removal is most often quick and calm. In the first days it is normal to feel mild tenderness or tightness around the wound, with possible slight swelling, which gradually subsides. Most people resume daily activities very quickly, with reasonable caution toward the operation site.
For the wound to heal well and the scar to be as tidy as possible, it is important to follow the care instructions. Tidy dressing changes and avoiding strain on the operation area make a difference in the final result, especially for cysts on the face and neck.
- Keep the wound dry and clean according to the instructions you receive
- Avoid straining and pressure on the wound area in the first days
- Do not remove the dressing yourself before the agreed time
- Come for the follow-up and suture removal when you are told
- Report increased swelling, redness, discharge from the wound or fever
- Protect the scar from the sun until it has fully matured
Possible risks
Atheroma removal is one of the well-tolerated procedures, but like any operation it carries certain risks that we discuss openly. A careful technique and tidy wound care serve to reduce the possibility of complications to the lowest possible level.
Most possible discomforts are mild and transient. If you notice any of the signs listed, it is important to contact us so we can respond in time.
- Minor bleeding or a collection of fluid at the procedure site
- Infection of the surgical wound
- A scar that in some people is more pronounced
- Recurrence of the cyst if the capsule was not removed in full
- Temporary tenderness or numbness around the wound
- Swelling and redness of the area in the first days
Why Medical Time
At the Medical Time center in Belgrade we remove atheromas carefully and in full, together with their capsule, in order to reduce the possibility that the cyst returns. We attach special importance to the appearance of the scar, especially for changes on the face and neck, and to calm monitoring after the procedure.
- An experienced surgical team and a careful removal technique
- Removal of the cyst in full for a lower chance of return
- Examination and assessment of whether the change is quiet or inflamed
- Attention paid to the appearance of the scar, especially in visible spots
- Clear instructions for wound care and follow-up
- Pleasant conditions at the center in Belgrade
Price — atheroma removal
The price of atheroma removal depends on the size and position of the cyst, as well as on whether the change is quiet or has been inflamed. The estimate is also affected by the type of anesthesia and whether the removed tissue is sent for histopathological examination.
For this reason we give the final estimate after an examination, when we see exactly what kind of change is involved. In this way you receive a realistic plan tailored precisely to your cyst, with no later surprises.
- Removal of a smaller atheroma
- Removal of a larger atheroma or a cyst in a sensitive spot
- Consultation and examination of the change
- Histopathological examination of the removed tissue
For an individual estimate and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions
An atheroma is most often a benign change and is not dangerous. Still, it can grow, become inflamed and painful, so we remove it when it bothers you or becomes repeatedly inflamed. The removed tissue can be sent for examination if needed, for reassurance.
An atheroma has a capsule, that is, a sac in which the content accumulates. If part of that capsule remains in the skin, the cyst easily returns in the same place. That is why simply draining the content is a temporary solution, while complete removal is a lasting one.
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia, so only the area around the cyst is numbed and you feel no pain during the operation. After the procedure mild tenderness is possible, which is easily eased and subsides quickly.
When the cyst is inflamed or infected, it is sometimes wiser to first calm the inflammation and perform the complete removal once the area has settled. The whole capsule is then removed more easily and safely, with a better final result.
Every incision leaves a trace, but we work so that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible, especially on the face and neck. Wound care and protecting the scar from the sun while it matures help the result be as tidy as possible.
When the cyst is removed in full, together with its capsule, the possibility of it returning in the same place is considerably smaller. If part of the capsule remains, the cyst returns more easily, which is why we insist on complete removal.
Recovery is usually quick and calm. Most patients return to daily activities very soon, with reasonable caution toward the operation site and following the wound care instructions.