Cyst Removal North York

Last updated: October 28, 2026

TMSC fully removes sebaceous, epidermoid and pilar cysts, including the sac, to lower the chance of recurrence, at its North York (2920 Dufferin St) and York Mills clinics. Board-certified plastic surgeons perform the procedure under local anesthetic, same-day, from $695, with no referral needed.

A cyst that keeps coming back usually wasn't fully removed the first time. That single fact explains most of the frustration people feel after a "quick" drainage that grows right back within months. Our North York clinics focus on complete surgical excision, not just drainage, because that's what actually lowers the chance a cyst returns.

What types of cysts do we remove?

We remove sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, and pilar cysts at both our North York locations, along with other benign skin cysts found on the face, scalp, neck, back, and behind the ear. Each type forms differently, but all can be excised using the same local-anesthetic approach.

Sebaceous and epidermoid cysts

Sebaceous and epidermoid cysts are the most common skin cysts, often confused with each other. Epidermoid cysts form when skin cells get trapped under the surface and build up keratin inside a sac; true sebaceous cysts (arising from oil glands) are less common than most people assume, but the term is used loosely to describe both. They show up most often on the face, neck, back, and chest.

Pilar cysts on the scalp

Pilar cysts develop from hair follicle cells and appear almost exclusively on the scalp. They tend to feel firm and move slightly under the skin. We offer dedicated guidance on pilar cyst removal for patients dealing with one or several of these scalp bumps.

Other skin cysts

Beyond the scalp and face, we also remove cysts that form behind the ear, on the back, underarm, and other body areas. Location affects technique slightly, but the goal stays the same: remove the cyst wall completely. See our overview of sebaceous cyst removal for more detail on how we approach different sites.

How much does cyst removal cost in North York?

Cyst removal at our North York clinics starts at $695, with the final price confirmed during a free consultation based on the cyst's size, location, and number. We do not quote prices over the phone without first assessing the cyst, since larger or multiple cysts take more time to remove properly.

ServiceDetailCyst removalFrom $695ConsultationFreeOHIP coverageNot coveredReferralNot needed

Choose a consultation first if you're unsure whether your bump is a cyst, lipoma, or something else. We'll examine it and give you a firm quote before any procedure is scheduled.

Is cyst removal covered by OHIP?

No. Cyst removal is considered a cosmetic or elective procedure in most cases, so OHIP does not cover the fee at our clinics. Patients pay out of pocket, and no referral from a family doctor is required to book a consultation or procedure with us.

This is different from how some skin concerns get treated in hospital settings, where a strongly symptomatic or infected cyst might occasionally be addressed under different billing. For routine, non-urgent cyst removal, expect to pay directly.

Why do cysts keep coming back?

Cysts return when the cyst sac, the thin wall that produces and holds the contents, is left behind in the skin. Simply draining the fluid or debris out relieves pressure temporarily, but the sac keeps producing material and the lump reforms.

This is the single biggest gap we see in how cysts get managed elsewhere. A cyst squeezed at home, or drained without removing the wall, almost always comes back because the structure that forms the cyst is still there. Full surgical excision addresses this by removing the entire sac along with its contents. We explain this in more depth in our post on why it's crucial to remove the entire cyst sac.

How is a cyst removed?

Cyst removal at our clinics follows three steps: consultation, excision under local anesthetic, and, when appropriate, sending the tissue for pathology. The whole process is outpatient, and patients go home the same day.

Consultation

We start with a free consultation to confirm the diagnosis, check the cyst's size and location, and rule out other causes of the lump. This is also when we confirm final pricing.

Full excision of the cyst and its sac under local anesthetic

The cyst and its surrounding sac are removed through a small incision, with the area numbed using local anesthetic so the procedure itself isn't painful. Most excisions are done in one visit, and patients resume light activity shortly after. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see cyst removal surgery step by step.

Pathology

Removed tissue can be sent for pathology to confirm it's benign. This is a routine step for anything with an unusual appearance or history, giving patients clear documentation of what was removed.

Can you remove an infected or inflamed cyst?

An actively infected cyst, one that's red, hot, swollen, or draining pus, is usually managed differently than a calm, non-inflamed cyst. Excision is often done once the acute inflammation has settled, rather than during the flare itself, because operating on infected tissue is harder to close cleanly and heal well.

If your cyst looks infected, call us to discuss timing before booking a removal appointment. Some situations need to calm down first; others may still be appropriate to assess sooner.

Don't squeeze it, see a doctor if:

• The area is red, hot, or the redness is spreading
• You have a fever
• The cyst is growing rapidly
• There's foul-smelling drainage

Squeezing or popping a cyst at home risks pushing material deeper into the skin and worsening infection. If you notice the signs above, see a doctor or urgent care promptly rather than waiting for a scheduled consultation.

Draining vs. full excision: what's the difference?

Draining removes the fluid or debris inside a cyst but leaves the sac wall behind, while full excision removes the entire cyst including the wall. This distinction is the main reason some cysts "disappear" temporarily, only to return weeks or months later.

ApproachWhat's removedRecurrenceScarWhen usedDrainingFluid/contents onlySac remains, cyst can refillMinimalSometimes for acute, painful swelling before definitive treatmentFull excisionEntire cyst and sacSac removed, lowers recurrenceSmall incision lineStandard approach for lasting removal

Choose full excision if your priority is getting rid of the cyst for good rather than a quick, temporary fix. We cover this comparison in more detail in how cyst removal surgery works: excision vs. drainage and cyst removal vs. cyst drainage.

What is recovery like after cyst removal?

Recovery from cyst removal is typically short, with most patients returning to normal activity within a day or two, since the procedure is outpatient and done under local anesthetic. The incision site needs basic wound care while it heals.

Wound care and stitches

Keeping the area clean and dry, and following the dressing instructions given after your procedure, supports proper healing. Some incisions use dissolvable stitches, others don't; we'll tell you which applies to your case. More detail is available in post cyst removal wound healing and cyst removal stitches: dissolvable vs. non-dissolvable.

Scarring

Any surgical excision leaves some scar, but careful technique and location-appropriate incisions aim to keep it as minimal as possible. Scar appearance generally improves over the following months.

Cyst vs. lipoma vs. abscess: how to tell the difference

Cysts, lipomas, and abscesses can all feel like a lump under the skin, but they have different causes and need different care. A cyst has a central punctum or fills with keratin debris; a lipoma is a soft, fatty lump without a central opening; an abscess is a painful, acutely infected collection that often needs different initial management.

If your lump is tender, red, and came on quickly, it may be an abscess rather than a cyst, and that distinction matters for how it should be treated. If you're unsure which you have, a consultation is the fastest way to find out.

Who performs cyst removal at The Minor Surgery Center?

Cyst removal at our clinics is performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, including co-founders Dr. Kunaal Jindal and Dr. Roberto Tutino. Our surgical team completed five-year surgical residencies, with training at institutions including the University of Toronto, McMaster, Queen's, McGill, Western, UBC, Mayo Clinic, Yale, and Oxford.

Working with surgeons trained in plastic and reconstructive techniques matters for cyst removal because incision placement and closure affect the final scar. We've written about how to think through this choice in plastic surgeon vs. dermatologist for mole, cyst, and lipoma removal in Toronto.

Where are our North York clinics?

Our primary North York location is at 2920 Dufferin Street, Suite 202, Toronto, ON M6B 3S8, with a second North York option at 85 Scarsdale Road, Unit 101, North York, ON M3B 2R2. Both can be reached at (647) 614-1611.

These clinics serve North York, Downsview, Lawrence Heights, Yorkdale, Lawrence Manor, Bedford Park, Willowdale, Don Mills, York Mills, Bayview Village, and midtown Toronto. You can learn more about our Dufferin Street location on the North York mole, cyst and skin tag removal page, or review the York Mills clinic details and our broader North York clinic overview for either location.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a free consultation directly with us, no family doctor referral required.

Is it covered by OHIP?
No. Cyst removal at our clinics is not covered by OHIP, and fees apply.

Will the cyst come back?
Removing the cyst's entire sac, not just draining it, lowers the chance of recurrence compared with drainage alone.

Can you remove an infected cyst?
Active infection is often treated once inflammation settles rather than during the flare; call us to discuss timing for your specific case.

Will it leave a scar?
Any excision leaves a small scar, but careful technique and incision placement aim to keep it minimal and it typically fades over time.

How long does the procedure take?
Most cyst excisions are completed in a single visit under local anesthetic, and patients go home the same day.

Conclusion with booking CTA

A cyst that's been drained before and came back is a sign the sac was left behind, not that the cyst is untreatable. Full surgical excision, performed by board-certified plastic surgeons under local anesthetic, addresses that root cause directly, and our North York clinics on Dufferin Street and at York Mills offer same-day procedures starting at $695, with no referral required.

If you're dealing with a sebaceous, epidermoid, or pilar cyst anywhere on the face, scalp, neck, or back, call (647) 614-1611 or book a free consultation at our North York clinic to get a clear plan and a firm price.

References

1. Skin Health. bnderm.com.
2. Shapero Dermatology. beautifi.com.

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