Cyst and Lipoma Excision in Chicago's South Loop

Q: How long does a cyst and lipoma excision appointment take?

Most visits are scheduled for about 30 minutes, though timing can vary based on the concern and whether a procedure is performed.

Q: Will insurance cover cyst and lipoma excision?

Medical visits are often insurance-supported when medically indicated. Cosmetic treatments are self-pay.

Q: What should I bring to my visit?

Bring your insurance card, medication list, relevant skincare products, and photos or notes that show how the concern has changed over time.

A cyst or lipoma is often harmless, but one that is growing, tender, or bothersome can be evaluated and removed in our South Loop office, with tissue sent for pathology when indicated.

Physician-led dermatology care from a board-certified team focused on clear answers, appropriate treatment, and follow-up you can understand.

Book Appointment

Or call (847) 802-9667 Mon 8:30am–1:30pmTue–Fri 8:30am–6pm. Online booking available 24/7.

ANESTHESIA: Local numbing; you're awake and comfortable
DOWNTIME: Minimal; most return to normal activities same day, with wound care for the site
PATHOLOGY: Removed tissue is sent to a lab when medically indicated
MOST OFTEN USED FOR: Irritated, growing, or cosmetically bothersome cysts and lipomas

Cyst & Lipoma Excision

Our dermatologists remove cysts, lipomas, and other benign-appearing growths in the office using techniques chosen for the spot and its location, such as shave removal or excision. If a lesion has any features that warrant a closer look, we remove it and send the tissue for pathology so it can be properly examined. The goal is a safe removal and, where possible, a clean cosmetic result.

Medical vs. cosmetic removal

Some removals are medical, such as a growth that is changing, bleeding, or symptomatic, and may be billed to insurance. Others are elective and cosmetic, such as a cyst or lipoma you would simply like gone, and are typically self-pay. Your provider explains which applies before anything is done. Any concern about skin cancer is evaluated, not assumed; see our Skin Cancer Screening page.

Benefits

In-office removal by board-certified dermatologists
Local numbing for comfort; minimal downtime
Pathology sent when medically warranted, for peace of mind
Technique chosen to support the best reasonable cosmetic outcome

What Happens During a Removal

Evaluation: Your provider examines the spot, asks about changes, and recommends whether removal is appropriate and which method fits.

Removal: The area is numbed with a local anesthetic; the growth is removed using the chosen technique. If indicated, tissue is sent for pathology.

Aftercare: We clean and dress the site and give you wound-care instructions; you may have a small dressing or sutures to care for.

Recovery & Safety

Recovery & Downtime

Most people return to normal activities the same day. The site may be tender for a few days; keep it clean and follow your wound-care instructions. If you have sutures, we'll tell you when they need to be removed. Healing time varies with the size and location of the removal.

Risks and Side Effects

Any removal leaves some mark, often small, but a scar is expected. Other possible effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising; less commonly, bleeding, infection, or a change in pigment at the site. Some growths can recur. Your provider reviews these and how technique and aftercare lower them.

How It Works at Our Practice

Before your visit: We evaluate the spot, explain the recommended method, and review what to expect.

During your appointment: The area is numbed; the growth is removed and sent for pathology when indicated.

After your appointment: We dress the site, give written wound-care, and follow up with any pathology results.

Insurance or Self-Pay

We participate with select plans, and coverage depends on your plan, network, and the reason for your visit. We recommend confirming benefits with your insurer before scheduling.

We participate with select plans from insurers such as Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (PPO and Options), Cigna, Corvel, Humana, Imagine Health, Multiplan, The Alliance, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, United Healthcare, and Zelis. We also accept Medicare Part B and select Medicare Advantage plans. Participation varies by plan and network.

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