Treatment guide · Skin Conditions

Epidermal Cyst Removal in Seoul

Minor surgery that removes the whole cyst wall so the lump is less likely to come back.

Ask the clinic for: 표피낭종 제거 (피지낭종)

Epidermal Cyst Removal explained

An epidermal cyst is a round, movable lump under the skin, often with a small dark opening on top. It contains soft, cheesy keratin and can smell if squeezed. It is common on the face, neck, back and behind the ears.

How Epidermal Cyst Removal works

After numbing with local anaesthetic, the doctor makes a small cut or uses a small punch tool and removes the cyst along with its wall. Taking out the whole wall is key, because any wall left behind can form a new cyst. The wound is closed with stitches. An inflamed or infected cyst is often drained or treated first and removed after it calms down.

Who Epidermal Cyst Removal is for

• A calm, non-inflamed cyst that keeps coming back
• Cysts that are growing, visible or rub on clothing
• Cysts on the face, neck, back or earlobe
• People who can return for stitch removal or arrange it at home

Who should avoid Epidermal Cyst Removal

• A red, painful, infected cyst, which usually needs treatment first
• Lumps that are hard, fixed or not yet examined
• Squeezing a cyst at home, which can cause infection and scarring
• Visitors leaving on a long-haul flight the next day without doctor approval

What happens at the appointment

1. Consultation and exam, sometimes with ultrasound
2. Area cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic
3. Small incision or punch made over the cyst
4. Cyst and wall removed and wound stitched
5. Dressing applied and stitch removal planned

Aftercare and flying home

• Keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed
• Avoid heavy exercise and saunas for about a week
• Watch for increasing redness, pain or discharge
• Remove stitches after 7–14 days, depending on site
• Use silicone gel and sunscreen on the healed scar

Side effects and risks

• Mild pain, bruising and swelling for a few days
• A small scar at the incision
• Infection or bleeding, which are uncommon
• Recurrence if part of the wall remains

How much does Epidermal Cyst Removal cost in Seoul?

₩200,000–₩1,000,000 (about US$150–750) — Price depends on cyst size, location (face is often more), whether it is inflamed, and any ultrasound or lab test. Prices are estimates and are confirmed after examination.

Why get Epidermal Cyst Removal in Korea?

Seoul dermatology and surgical clinics remove cysts routinely with short waits. Clinics that focus on the face often use small incisions and fine stitching to keep scars small.

Frequently asked questions

How much does epidermal cyst removal cost in Seoul?

Expect about ₩200,000–₩1,000,000, depending on size, location and whether it is inflamed. The clinic confirms the price after an exam.

Does cyst removal hurt?

The numbing injection stings for a few seconds. After that you should feel only pressure, and mild soreness for a few days.

Will the cyst come back after removal?

If the whole wall is removed, recurrence is uncommon. Draining a cyst without removing the wall often leads to it returning.

When can I fly after cyst removal?

Short flights are usually fine within a day or two. For long-haul travel, ask the doctor and plan when and where to remove the stitches.

Is cyst removal safe?

It is a common minor procedure. Risks include infection, bleeding and a scar, which are lower when the cyst is removed while calm.

Can an infected cyst be removed right away?

Usually not. An infected cyst is often drained or treated first, then removed fully once it has settled, to lower infection and recurrence risk.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.