Cyst removal in Ottawa is usually a same-day procedure: 20 to 45 minutes under local anaesthetic, with the entire cyst wall removed so the cyst is unlikely to return. Dr. James Bonaparte treats cysts, lipomas, and benign lesions of the face, head, and neck. His dual training in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery means each removal is planned around both complete excision and careful closure.
Cysts are closed sac-like structures that can develop anywhere in the body, including the face and neck.1 These benign growths contain fluid, semi-solid material, or gas and are separated from surrounding tissue by a distinct membrane (capsule). While typically harmless, cysts can cause discomfort, affect appearance, or occasionally become infected, which is when removal becomes worth discussing.3
Unlike pimples or boils, which are superficial skin infections that typically resolve on their own, cysts have a true wall that sticks around and continues to produce the material inside them. This is why cysts don't go away permanently without surgical removal of the entire capsule. Squeezing, draining, or treating with antibiotics alone will not get rid of the cyst wall.
The face demands special consideration. Visible scarring from a poorly placed incision can be just as bothersome as the cyst itself. Dr. Bonaparte's dual training in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery means every removal is planned with two goals in mind: complete excision to reduce the chance of recurrence and a careful cosmetic result through planned incision placement, layered closure, and attentive wound care.
The most common type of cyst, developing when skin cells multiply beneath the skin surface rather than shedding normally.3 They appear as small, round bumps under the skin and may have a visible central opening (punctum). Research shows epidermoid cysts make up about 49% of cutaneous head and neck cysts.3
Typically occurring on the scalp, these smooth, firm cysts develop from hair follicles and tend to run in families.3 They're usually mobile under the skin and can range from pea-sized to several centimetres in diameter. Pilar cysts account for about 27% of cutaneous head and neck cysts, with 96% found on the scalp.3
Present from birth, these cysts contain developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands.2 They commonly appear along the eyebrow, nose, or midline of the neck. Early removal is generally recommended because they can grow and, in scalp cases, may erode into surrounding bone over time.2
While technically not cysts but benign fatty tumours, lipomas are soft, moveable lumps under the skin that we frequently remove using similar techniques. They are slow-growing and usually painless.
Your journey begins with a full consultation at our Ottawa clinic. Dr. Bonaparte takes a thorough approach so the diagnosis is accurate, the treatment plan fits your situation, and you know what to expect. You can read more about what happens at a consultation before you come in.
Review of your medical history and current medications, careful examination of the cyst or lesion, assessment of size, location, and characteristics, discussion of any symptoms, and whether imaging studies are needed.1
Explanation of the diagnosis and nature of your condition, discussion of surgical and non-surgical options, review of expected outcomes and recovery timeline, aesthetic considerations for facial lesions, and answering all your questions.
Dr. Bonaparte selects the surgical technique based on each patient's specific needs, focusing on complete removal to reduce the chance of recurrence while keeping scarring low through plastic surgery closure principles.
For smaller cysts, this technique uses a tiny incision to remove the cyst wall intact, reducing scarring and recovery time. The small opening is carefully placed within natural skin creases when possible.
Larger or complex cysts need traditional excision, where Dr. Bonaparte removes the entire cyst including its capsule to reduce the chance of recurrence. Planned incision placement and careful closure techniques support the cosmetic outcome.
Some small lesions may be removed using a circular cutting tool that removes a cylinder of tissue. This technique is especially useful for certain types of skin lesions that need pathological examination.
Dr. Bonaparte closes wounds using the same methods he applies in facial plastic surgery. This includes layered closure to reduce tension on the skin surface, fine suture material appropriate for facial skin, placement within relaxed skin tension lines, and careful consideration of facial aesthetic units, so incisions fall within natural boundaries where they are less noticeable as they heal.
Most cyst and lesion removals are performed as outpatient procedures in our Ottawa clinic under local anaesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cyst or lesion.
The area is cleaned and marked for incision placement, considering natural skin creases, relaxed skin tension lines, and aesthetic unit boundaries.
Local anaesthetic is administered so you're comfortable during the procedure. You'll feel only a brief sting from the numbing injection, then the area stays numb throughout.
The cyst or lesion is carefully removed with attention to preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The entire capsule is taken out to reduce the chance of recurrence. All tissue is sent to pathology for examination.1
Sutures are placed using plastic surgery techniques: layered closure to reduce tension, fine suture material matched to the specific facial zone, and careful skin edge alignment.
A protective dressing is applied to the surgical site. You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions and can return home the same day. Most patients drive themselves (for procedures not involving sedation).
Mild swelling and bruising are normal. Most patients experience minimal discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Follow wound care and dressing change instructions. Watch for signs that require contact with our office.
Return for suture removal. Timing depends on location (typically 5 to 7 days for facial sites, 7 to 10 days for scalp). Most patients get back to normal activities within a few days of the procedure. Pathology results are typically available within 1 to 2 weeks.
Gradual fading of any bruising. The scar begins to mature. Begin scar massage and silicone products as directed. Start strict sun protection of the surgical site.
The scar continues to fade and soften with proper care. Sun protection remains important to prevent darkening. By 6 months, the scar is well on its way to its final, significantly faded appearance.
Dr. Bonaparte's dual training in facial plastic surgery means cosmetic outcomes are a priority alongside medical treatment. Our scar care approach includes:
You can see examples of how Dr. Bonaparte's surgical incisions heal across different procedures in the before and after photo gallery.
Dr. Bonaparte's facial plastic surgery background means cosmetic outcomes are carefully considered in every procedure. This is especially important for visible areas of the face and neck, where a poorly placed or closed incision can leave a more noticeable scar than the original cyst. Every removal is planned as if it were a cosmetic procedure, because on the face, it is.
Certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto, through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Over 36 peer-reviewed publications in facial plastic surgery, contributing to the advancement of surgical techniques.
Dr. Bonaparte's combination of Head and Neck Surgery training and a Facial Plastic Surgery fellowship shapes how he approaches cyst and lesion removal. He works with the anatomy of the face, head, and neck every day, including the nerves, blood vessels, and glandular structures that must be carefully navigated during any surgical procedure in these areas, and he applies the aesthetic planning that facial surgery demands. You can read his full background on the About Dr. Bonaparte page, and verify his standing with the CPSO.
Have more questions? See the full Cyst & Lesion Removal FAQ, or ask ARIA any time.
