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, and photos or notes that show how the lump 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

After evaluating the lump, your dermatologist determines whether in-office excision is appropriate. Cysts are removed with attention to the cyst wall, while lipomas are removed through an incision sized and placed for the growth. The approach depends on the diagnosis, size, depth, location, inflammation, and your health. Tissue is sent for pathology when medically indicated.

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

An incision-based cyst or lipoma removal leaves a scar. Other possible effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising; less commonly, bleeding, infection, wound separation, fluid collection, numbness, or a change in pigment at the site. A cyst can recur if its wall is not fully removed, and a lipoma or another lump can develop in the same area. Your provider reviews these risks and how technique and aftercare can reduce 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

Your dermatologist may determine after evaluation that removal is cosmetic rather than medical. Medical removal may be submitted to insurance when your plan's criteria are met; cosmetic removal is self-pay. Coverage depends on your plan, network, diagnosis, and the reason for your visit.

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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