Cyst

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have this cyst behind my ear and it sometimes forms into boils. My doctor gives me antibiotics for it all the time. Is it possible to remove the cyst so it never comes back?  How long will these procedures be?

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts are benign in nature.  However, they can rupture and lead to infection. When it ruptures, there is pus, redness and pain in the area.  In locations of the body where there is constant pressure, like the back, behind the ears, in the areas where underwear lines constantly rub against, infection is common.  Whereas antibiotics are used to control the infection, if repeated rupture happens then excision is advised.

Cyst excision can be performed very quickly, in under an hour. But if there is infection present, antibiotics are usually given first before removal is done. Excision of these kinds of cysts is very fast, and may take half an hour at most if no complications are seen.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I had nose surgery a couple of years back and there are scars remaining at the sides of my nose. Now they look like big uneven pores. Is there a way to make the scar look finer?

Vanessa

Vanessa,

Rhinoplasty and alar trimming are very common procedures done in Asia. Reduction of the base of the nose can lead to small scars at the sides of the nostrils.  For some people, the scar is gone after a year.  But for those that don’t scar well, the suture marks may remain forever. It is also very surgeon-dependent.

Fractional laser is best used for these kinds of scars.  The procedure is painless and very fast.  You can finish the procedure after ten minutes!  There is minimal downtime and results are very good.  Depending on the depth of the scar, one to four sessions may be needed.  Please have the scar evaluated by your PDS derma and inquire about the type of laser to be used before doing any procedures.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.