Sebaceous Cyst Removal in Chattanooga & Ooltewah, TN

Expert cyst removal with complete sac excision — preventing recurrence and infection

Schedule Your Consultation
→ (423) 777-7570

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?

If you’ve noticed a firm, round lump beneath your skin that seems to be slowly growing, you may have a sebaceous cyst. Despite the common name, most of these growths are technically epidermal inclusion cysts or pilar cysts — closed pockets of tissue that fill with keratin, a protein produced by skin cells. True sebaceous cysts arising from sebaceous glands are actually quite rare, but the term has become the widely accepted name for these benign lumps.

Cysts typically present as smooth, dome-shaped bumps that range from pea-sized to several centimeters across. They develop most commonly on the back, neck, face, scalp, and behind the ears, though they can appear almost anywhere on the body. You may notice a small dark opening (punctum) at the center. If a cyst ruptures or is squeezed, it often releases a thick, yellowish material with a characteristically foul odor — something patients frequently mention during their first visit.

Sebaceous cysts are benign and not cancerous, but they can become a real nuisance. They may grow steadily over months or years, become inflamed, or develop painful infections. Many of our patients from Chattanooga, Cleveland, Hixson, and surrounding East Tennessee communities tell us they have lived with a cyst for years before deciding to have it evaluated — often because it finally became uncomfortable, visibly noticeable, or started draining on its own.

When Should You Have a Cyst Removed?

Not every cyst requires immediate removal, but there are clear situations where treatment is the right choice. We recommend scheduling an evaluation if your cyst is:

  • Growing in size — even slowly, a growing cyst will not resolve on its own

  • Becoming painful or tender — pressure on surrounding tissue can cause discomfort

  • Showing signs of infection — redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage indicate a problem

  • Located in a visible or uncomfortable area — the face, neck, or areas under clothing lines

  • Ruptured or repeatedly inflamed — recurrent flare-ups signal that the cyst needs to come out

  • Causing embarrassment or anxiety — your quality of life matters

The best time to remove a cyst is before it becomes inflamed or infected. Inflamed cysts are more difficult to remove completely, more painful to treat, and more likely to leave a larger scar. If your cyst is currently calm and stable, that is actually the ideal window for a clean, straightforward removal with the best cosmetic outcome.

How We Remove Cysts at Clear Derm

At Clear Derm, we perform complete surgical excision — not simple drainage. This is a critical distinction. Draining a cyst (also called incision and drainage, or I&D) provides temporary relief by releasing the contents, but it does not remove the cyst wall, also known as the sac. Without removing the entire sac, the cyst will almost always grow back, sometimes within weeks.

Here is what to expect when you visit our Ooltewah office for cyst removal:

  • Evaluation and marking: Dr. Kim examines the cyst, confirms the diagnosis, and marks the planned incision site.

  • Local anesthesia: We inject a numbing agent around the cyst. You will feel a brief pinch from the needle, then nothing during the procedure.

  • Small incision: A carefully placed incision is made directly over the cyst, kept as small as possible to minimize scarring.

  • Complete removal: The cyst and its entire sac wall are dissected free from surrounding tissue and removed intact whenever possible.

  • Closure with sutures: The wound is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.

The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the cyst. Everything is performed right here in our comfortable Ooltewah office — no hospital visit, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy preparation required.

Same-day removal is often possible for urgent or infected cysts. If your cyst is actively bothering you, call us and we will do our best to see you quickly.

Why Complete Sac Removal Matters

The single most important factor in preventing a cyst from returning is the complete removal of the sac wall. The cyst wall is the living tissue that produces the material filling the cyst. If even a small fragment of this wall remains after surgery, the cyst can — and usually will — refill and return.

This is why simple drainage is considered a temporary measure, not a cure. Dr. Kim’s approach emphasizes meticulous dissection and complete sac removal with every procedure. With true complete excision, recurrence rates drop dramatically, giving you the confidence that the problem is resolved for good.

If you have had a cyst drained elsewhere and it has come back, you are not alone — this is one of the most common reasons patients seek us out for a definitive solution.

Types of Cysts We Treat

Our team evaluates and removes a wide range of cyst types, including:

  • Epidermal inclusion cysts — the most common type, often called “sebaceous cysts,” found on the face, neck, trunk, and extremities

  • Pilar (trichilemmal) cysts — firm cysts that develop on the scalp, often in clusters

  • Infected and inflamed cysts — red, swollen, and painful cysts requiring prompt attention

  • Ruptured cysts — cysts that have burst beneath the skin, causing intense inflammation

  • Recurrent cysts — cysts previously drained or partially removed elsewhere that have returned

  • Multiple cysts — some patients develop several cysts that we can address in one or more sessions

Recovery After Cyst Removal

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the recovery is. Here is what you can generally expect:

  • Minimal downtime — most patients return to work the same day or the next morning

  • Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours

  • Suture removal is typically scheduled in 7 to 14 days, depending on the location of the excision

  • Mild soreness at the site is normal and usually well managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

  • We provide detailed written aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to do at home

  • Scarring is typically minimal and continues to fade over several months

Cyst Removal Cost & Insurance Coverage

The good news is that most cyst removals are considered medically necessary and are covered by insurance. If your cyst is symptomatic — painful, infected, growing, or located in an area where it causes functional problems — your insurance plan will typically cover the procedure.

We work with most major insurance plans and will verify your coverage before your appointment so there are no surprises. For self-pay patients, we offer competitive pricing. Call our office at (423) 777-7570 for details.

Why Patients Choose Clear Derm for Cyst Removal

  • Experienced physician: Dr. Eli Kim has over 14 years of experience focused exclusively on dermatologic procedures, with thousands of cyst and lipoma removals performed

  • Board-certified: Dr. Kim is a board-certified physician committed to the highest standards of patient care and surgical technique

  • Complete sac removal: Our emphasis on removing the entire cyst wall means the lowest possible recurrence rates for our patients

  • Convenient location: Our modern, comfortable office in Ooltewah is centrally located for patients from Chattanooga, Cleveland, Hixson, East Brainerd, and North Georgia

  • Rapid access: Same-day and next-day appointments are often available for urgent conditions

  • Accepting new patients: We welcome new patients and make scheduling easy

  • Caring team: Our warm, friendly staff puts your comfort first from the moment you walk in

Ready to Get Your Cyst Removed?

Don't wait for your cyst to become inflamed or infected. The best outcomes come from removing cysts while they are calm and stable. Schedule your consultation today and let us take care of it.

Call (423) 777-7570 or Book Online

5545 Little Debbie Pkwy, Ooltewah, TN 37363

Serving patients from Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Cleveland, Hixson, East Brainerd, Dalton GA, Ringgold GA, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyst Removal

  • Most symptomatic cysts — those that are painful, infected, or growing — are considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. We verify your coverage before your appointment and will let you know what to expect.

  • Most cyst removals take 20 to 45 minutes from start to finish. The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia — no hospital visit required.

  • With our complete sac removal technique, recurrence is very unlikely. Cysts return when the sac wall is left behind, which is common with simple drainage. Dr. Kim removes the entire cyst wall to minimize the chance of recurrence.

  • We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely. You will feel a brief pinch during the injection, then no pain during the procedure. Most patients describe mild soreness afterward, easily managed with over-the-counter medication.

  • Draining (incision and drainage) provides temporary relief but leaves the cyst wall intact — meaning the cyst will almost always return. Surgical excision removes the entire cyst including its wall, providing a permanent solution.

  • In many cases, yes — especially for urgent or infected cysts. Call us at (423) 777-7570 and mention that your cyst is bothering you. We will do our best to see you quickly.

  • Most patients return to normal activities the same or next day. You will need to keep the area clean and return for suture removal in 7 to 14 days. We provide complete aftercare instructions.

  • Cysts can be removed by dermatologists, surgeons, and dermatology-focused physicians. At Clear Derm, Dr. Eli Kim is a board-certified physician who has focused exclusively on dermatologic surgery for over 14 years, with thousands of cyst removals performed.