Cyst Removal in Seoul: Excision and Laser Options
The short answer
Cyst removal in Seoul is a short outpatient procedure in which a dermatologist removes a skin cyst, such as an epidermoid or pilar cyst, together with its wall, using surgical excision or a small laser or punch opening. In Gangnam it typically costs about ₩100,000–₩600,000 depending on size and site, takes 20–60 minutes under local anesthetic, and stitches, if used, come out after 5–14 days.
Key facts
- Common types: epidermoid (often called sebaceous) cysts, pilar cysts on the scalp, inflamed cysts
- Methods: full surgical excision, minimal-incision or laser-assisted removal
- Typical price: about ₩100,000–₩600,000, depending on size and location
- Anesthesia: local injection
- Stitch removal: about 5–7 days on the face, 10–14 days on the body
- Recurrence: low when the whole cyst wall is removed
What skin cysts are
A skin cyst is a closed sac under the skin, usually filled with keratin, a soft, cheesy material. Epidermoid cysts, often loosely called sebaceous cysts, appear on the face, neck, back and chest, sometimes with a small dark pore at the center. Pilar cysts are firm, smooth lumps on the scalp. Most cysts are harmless, but they can grow, smell when squeezed, or become inflamed and painful.
Other lumps, such as lipomas or, rarely, more serious growths, can feel similar, so a doctor should examine any lump before removal.
Removal methods
| Method | How it works | Best for | Scar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical excision | Removes the cyst and wall through an incision | Larger or recurring cysts | Fine linear scar |
| Minimal-incision or punch | Small opening; contents and wall are extracted | Small to medium, non-inflamed cysts | Small round mark |
| Laser-assisted | Laser makes a small opening for extraction | Selected small cysts, especially on the face | Small mark |
| Drainage and injection | Calms an inflamed cyst | Acutely swollen, painful cysts | Cyst often returns |
Inflamed cysts are usually calmed first with drainage, antibiotics or steroid injection, then removed completely a few weeks later when the tissue has settled. Our abscess drainage guide covers acutely infected lumps.
What the procedure is like
The doctor examines the cyst, sometimes with ultrasound, and marks the area. A local anesthetic numbs it within minutes. The cyst is removed through an incision or small opening, the wall is taken out as completely as possible, and the wound is closed with fine stitches or left to heal if very small. A dressing is applied. Most procedures take 20–60 minutes, and you walk out straight after.
Recovery
- Keep the dressing dry for 24–48 hours as instructed.
- Mild soreness is common for a few days; simple pain relief usually helps.
- Facial stitches are removed in about 5–7 days; body stitches in 10–14 days.
- Avoid heavy exercise that stretches the wound for one to two weeks.
- Protect the scar from sun for several months.
Cost in Seoul
Typical Gangnam prices range from about ₩100,000 for a small cyst removed with a minimal technique to ₩600,000 or more for large cysts or those in delicate areas. Pathology testing, if requested, may add a small fee. Some procedures may be partly covered by Korean national insurance for residents; foreign visitors usually pay the full fee.
Planning around your trip
Because stitches need removal, plan to stay 7–14 days or arrange for a doctor at home to remove them. If that is not possible, ask about dissolvable stitches or a minimal-incision method. Flying is fine after the procedure with a clean dressing. Bring the clinic's notes home in case of follow-up.
Choosing a clinic
Choose a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who examines the lump first, explains whether it is a cyst, and discusses the best method for minimal scarring and low recurrence. Ask about pathology testing and how they will handle stitch removal for travelers. For other minor procedures, see our guides to mole removal and skin tag removal.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Will the cyst come back?
Recurrence is low when the entire wall is removed; drainage alone often leads to the cyst returning.
Can an inflamed cyst be removed immediately?
Usually it is calmed first and removed a few weeks later, which reduces infection and scarring.
Will it leave a scar?
Some mark is unavoidable, but careful technique and good aftercare keep it small and fine.
Should I squeeze a cyst at home?
No. Squeezing can cause inflammation and infection and does not remove the cyst wall.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.