Removing a sebaceous cyst is a quick, simple outpatient procedure that is usually carried out in the office or the clinic. The cysts are usually benign and so may only require removal if they get infected, become painful, or cause some inconvenience to the patient. First, the area around the cyst is cleaned with an antiseptic, then a local anaesthetic is injected so the patient stays comfortable through the whole procedure. The surgeon then makes a small incision above the cyst and gently removes it, making sure that the whole sac has been taken out to reduce the chance of recurrence. The cyst area will most often be stitched and then covered with a sterile dressing. Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness may be present and are normally resolved within a few days. Your doctor will instruct you on wound care, on when to change dressings, and how to monitor for signs of infection. The stitches will be removed in about a week or two, unless the stitches used were dissolvable. Proper wound care must be followed to ensure fast healing and reduced scarring. Most patients continue light activities on the same day or by the next day, making the removal of sebaceous cysts a very easy procedure with little recovery time.