Soft Tissue Masses

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Lancaster and Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Sean Satey specializes in delicate and precise removal techniques. With a focus on achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction, trust our experienced team to address your soft tissue concerns with skill and compassion.

Sebaceous cysts: part 1

There are several forms of sebaceous cysts depending on their areas of the body. These include pilar,  trichilemmal and epidermal cysts to name a few. These cysts are often found on the scalp, or under the skin throughout the body.

The best way to understand what these cysts actually look like is to think of them as a grape.

If you cut a grape in half, you’ll notice a very thin wall that holds all of the contents within them. The wall, in this case, is the capsule of the cyst. And the contents of the grape (the pulp) is analogous to the cyst contents (or the sebum/keratinized material). The material within the cyst mirrors cottage cheese, and is malodorous.

The goal with any successful cyst removal procedure is to ensure that you remove the entire cyst (capsule and contents). This helps minimize the risk of recurrence (or the cyst coming back).

The procedure is performed by numbing the skin and soft tissues with a local anesthetic, making a small incision, removing the cyst, ensuring hemostasis and closing.

Sebaceous cysts: part 2

Sebaceous cysts are often times confused with other skin conditions, like pimples.

The key here is to NOT squeeze the area– you don’t want to disrupt the outer cyst wall (capsule) of the cyst.

Ensuring that the cyst wall is intact will help reduce the risk of recurrence (or the cyst from coming back) at the time of removal. Also, with leakage of its contents to the adjacent soft tissues, your body will flood the area with inflammatory markers which will cause redness, pain, and possible drainage from the skin.

To examine whether you have a cyst, feel the borders and assess its mobility. It should feel like a small marble under the skin.

You can also have active and/or chronic infections of the cyst.

Active infections may require an incision to drain the underlying contents, and/or antibiotics, prior to its excision.

FAQ

Are cosmetic soft tissue mass procedures typically covered by insurance?

Cosmetic soft tissue mass procedures are often considered elective and therefore not covered by insurance. However, Dr. Sean Satey’s team can provide detailed cost estimates and discuss potential financing options during your consultation to help you plan for the procedure.

What is the recovery process like after removal?

Recovery times vary depending on the size and location of the mass, but patients can generally expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. Dr. Satey will provide personalized post-operative instructions, including recommendations for pain management and activity restrictions, to promote optimal healing and ensure a smooth recovery.