Cyst drainage is a simple medical procedure used to treat cysts that have become swollen, painful, or infected. When a cyst fills with fluid or pus, drainage helps relieve pressure, reduce pain, and allow the area to heal safely.
At Cyst Removal Clinic London, our doctors perform professional cyst drainage under local anaesthetic in a clean, sterile environment. This page explains when cyst drainage is needed, how the procedure works, and what to expect during recovery.
What is Cyst Drainage?
A cyst is a small sac under the skin filled with keratin, oil, or fluid. When it becomes inflamed or infected, the cyst can enlarge quickly and feel tender to touch. In such cases, cyst drainage, also known as incision and drainage (I&D), is often the first step before complete removal.
During the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the cyst wall to release trapped fluid or pus. This provides immediate relief from pressure and pain. Once the infection has cleared, the cyst capsule can be fully removed at a later date to prevent recurrence.
Cyst drainage is commonly performed for:
- Infected epidermoid cysts
- Sebaceous cysts producing pus
- Abscess-like cysts on the back, neck, face, or groin
It’s a quick, low-risk treatment that prevents infection from spreading and promotes faster healing.
When is Cyst Drainage Needed?
Not all cysts require drainage. Many small or painless cysts can remain untreated or be removed surgically when convenient. Drainage is recommended when the cyst:
- Becomes painful, red, and swollen
- Fills with pus or fluid that feels under pressure
- Starts leaking or is close to rupturing
- Causes discomfort when sitting, walking, or washing
- Shows signs of spreading infection
In some cases, cyst drainage is performed as an urgent procedure to relieve severe inflammation. The treatment provides immediate comfort, though further removal of the cyst wall may still be necessary to stop it returning.
At Cyst Removal Clinic London, every patient is assessed individually. Your doctor will examine the lump and decide whether drainage or full excision is the most suitable option.
The Cyst Drainage Procedure
Cyst drainage is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes around 15–30 minutes. It’s performed entirely in-clinic — no hospital stay required.
Step-by-step overview:
- Preparation and anaesthetic
The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic injection to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. - Small incision
A fine cut is made into the cyst to create an opening through which fluid or pus can escape. - Drainage and cleaning
The contents are gently expressed, and the cavity is irrigated with an antiseptic solution to remove debris and reduce bacteria. - Dressing and aftercare
The wound is dressed with a sterile pad or light bandage. In some cases, a small drain or wick is inserted for 24–48 hours to allow any remaining fluid to escape.
The procedure provides almost instant relief from pain and tightness. Patients can return home immediately afterwards.
If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacteria and speed up recovery.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients feel significantly more comfortable within hours of cyst drainage. However, the wound remains open for a short time to allow full drainage and prevent re-accumulation of fluid.
Typical recovery steps:
Day 1–2:
Keep the dressing dry and intact. Some minor oozing is normal. Pain or tenderness usually decreases quickly once pressure is relieved.
Day 3–5:
You may replace the dressing with a fresh sterile one daily. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water once advised.
After 1 week:
The wound usually begins to close naturally. If a drain or wick was inserted, your doctor will remove it during review.
After 2 weeks:
The area should feel comfortable and largely healed, though the skin may remain slightly pink or firm for a short while.
To support healing:
- Avoid squeezing or touching the area.
- Take the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.
- Keep the wound clean and dry between dressing changes.
- Avoid swimming, hot baths, or vigorous exercise until fully healed.
Once healed, you can discuss complete cyst removal to prevent recurrence. This is done only after the infection has cleared and the tissue has settled.
Cyst Drainage vs. Cyst Removal
It’s important to understand that draining a cyst and removing it are not the same procedure.
- Cyst drainage treats the infection and relieves pain but does not remove the cyst wall. Because the sac remains, the cyst can refill or recur later.
- Cyst removal (excision) eliminates the entire capsule and provides a permanent solution.
For infected cysts, drainage is usually performed first. Once the area is calm and no longer inflamed, complete excision can be arranged — usually within a few weeks.
Your doctor will advise on timing based on your healing progress.
Possible Risks or Complications
Cyst drainage is very safe when carried out by an experienced doctor. Minor, temporary effects can include:
- Mild pain or tenderness for a few days
- Small amount of bleeding or fluid leakage
- Temporary skin discolouration around the wound
Rarely, complications such as persistent infection or recurrence may occur if the cyst capsule reforms. These are easily managed with antibiotics or later excision.
Our clinic uses sterile surgical technique and single-use instruments to minimise infection risk and ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Preventing Recurrence
After drainage, the underlying cyst sac may still exist beneath the skin. To prevent future issues:
- Book a follow-up for assessment once the wound has healed.
- Avoid squeezing or manipulating cysts yourself.
- Maintain good skin hygiene and avoid friction from clothing or shaving.
- Treat any new cysts early to stop them from enlarging or becoming infected.
If you’re prone to cysts, your doctor can advise on preventive measures and suitable skin-care routines.
Why Choose Cyst Removal Clinic London
- Experienced doctors performing hundreds of cyst drainages and removals annually
- Local anaesthetic only — fast, comfortable, same-day procedures
- Sterile, medical-grade environment with specialist aftercare
- Minimal-scarring approach even for inflamed or infected cysts
- Clear, fixed-fee pricing with follow-up care included
Our goal is to make your treatment simple, safe, and as pain-free as possible — from diagnosis to complete recovery.