How Much Does Sebaceous Cyst Removal Cost?
There are different types of cysts that can grow in the body, and while there are many that are non-lethal, others can be signs of cancer, often deadly. Sebaceous cysts are famous on YouTube videos where people pop what looks like a pimple, but even when popped, they will continue to return.
According to Dermatology Alliance in Texas, they said you should picture this cyst as a balloon. After the pocket forms, it will fill with dead cells that are trying to escape your body. Since the body is trying to release these dead cells but are unable to, the outer layer of the skin will be pushed outward, forming what looks like a small pocket. Eventually, these cysts will either burst on its own or it can be popped. If it bursts underneath the skin, the area will become red and inflamed, often looking like an infection, even though it’s not; it’s just the body’s way of fighting the cyst.
One type of cyst that grows in the body is the sebaceous cyst, also known as epidermoid cysts. These cysts are firm and dome-shaped sacs that appear beneath the skin, often on parts of the body such as the face, scalp, chest, ears and neck. This type of cyst can be removed in a surgical or non-surgical way, and the cost to remove sebaceous cysts depends on the type of procedure that will be performed by the doctor, the complexity of the procedure, the hospital bill inclusions and geographical location.
How much does sebaceous cyst removal cost?
The cost to remove sebaceous cyst can range from $150 to $350 per affected area without health insurance. This cost will mostly depend on whether a surgical or non-surgical procedure is chosen, the doctor, the size and location of the cyst, and the geographical location.
Before the doctor can confirm the cyst, plan on spending at least $75 to $150 for a basic office visit without any tests being performed.
For those who have health insurance, consider talking with your provider to see if a procedure such as this one is covered. If covered, you may only be responsible for your deductible and/or copay, bringing the costs down quite a bit. Keep in mind that insurance companies will only perform this procedure if your doctor deems it medically necessary.
According to Dr. David Hansen on Realself.com, the cost of the initial office visit will be about $85 and the removal can be in the $175 to $350 range, depending on the size and where it’s located.
Forum members on SteadyHealth.com said they had paid anywhere from as little as $200 for one cyst at their local doctor’s office to as much as $1,500 to remove more than three at once.
Sebaceous cyst removal overview
Before the surgery is considered, an initial diagnosis will be performed by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis, usually by visually inspecting it.
Generally, this will be an outpatient procedure and the doctor will use a local anesthesia so no additional anesthesia fees will be charged. As long as it’s done under a local anesthesia, the doctor should allow you to drive to and from the appointment. During the procedure, the doctor or dermatologist, they will create a small incision, allowing the sack to empty out. Once emptied, it will be stitched to prevent it from scarring and coming back.
What are the extra costs?
The doctor may prescribe prescription medicine to help the site of the surgery heal quickly or an infection was present near and/or in the cyst.
Tips to know:
Smaller cysts will often cause no problems, but as they become larger, they risk the chances of becoming infected with bacteria, causing some painful experiences. If this were to happen, it’s so important to see a doctor to prevent the situation from getting worse. Even if it isn’t causing problems, it won’t go away on its own and will continue to grow until it’s able to rupture.
If you really want to know what the procedure will cost, ask for the exact insurance code ahead of time and talk with your insurance company. With this exact code, your insurance company should be able to tell you if it’s covered, and if it is, what it will cost you.
How can I save money?
Make sure that you check with your insurance provider if they can cover the charges for the treatment. Because some sebaceous cysts are harmless, insurance companies can refuse to pay. The removal must be deemed medically necessary by a doctor. If you don’t have any sort of health insurance, consider using eHealthInsurance.com to find a policy in your area.
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Average Reported Cost: $625.43
How much did you spend?
- SANDEEP (plano, Texas) paid $850 and said:
cyst on face…..
Was it worth it? Yes
- Luna (Rancho Cucamunga, California) paid $350 and said:
Nickel-sized cyst on arm.
Was it worth it? Yes
- anon (Arlington, Virginia) paid $542 and said:
on the back of head
Was it worth it? Yes
- Hurting Back (Atlanta , Georgia) paid $300 and said:
$300
Was it worth it? Yes
- MichaelC (Dallas, Texas) paid $765 and said:
small cyst on upper back
Was it worth it? Yes
- Tyler Wetzel (Austin, Texas) paid $1000 and said:
Medicare for all and I wouldn’t have to shovel out a grand to remove a cyst on my nose that actually hurts to the touch.
Was it worth it? Yes
- James (Independence Twp., Michigan) paid $571 and said:
Cyst below right shoulder blade
Was it worth it? Yes
