Cysts & Lipomas

You Noticed a Lump. Now You Just Want Answers.

Maybe you felt it in the shower, or your spouse pointed it out first. A new bump under the skin, whether it is soft and movable or firm and tender, is one of the most common reasons Treasure Valley patients call our office.

Most of the time these growths are harmless. But you deserve more than a guess. You deserve a provider who can look at it, tell you exactly what it is, and give you a clear plan, whether that means watching it, draining it, or removing it for good.

• Bumps that appear suddenly or grow slowly over months
• Lumps that feel tender, inflamed, or occasionally leak fluid
• Growths that are cosmetically bothersome, even if not medically concerning
• Uncertainty about whether a spot needs a biopsy or can simply be removed

What Are Cysts and Lipomas?

Cysts and lipomas are two of the most common benign growths dermatologists see, and while they can look similar on the surface, they form differently and are treated differently.

• Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts: Fluid- or keratin-filled sacs that form just under the skin, often with a small central pore. These can become inflamed, tender, or infected if left untreated.
• Lipomas: Soft, slow-growing fatty lumps that sit beneath the skin. They are typically painless, moveable under the fingers, and rarely cause problems beyond appearance.
• Both are considered benign, meaning non-cancerous, in the vast majority of cases.
• Cysts commonly appear on the scalp, face, neck, back, or torso. Lipomas often develop on the arms, shoulders, back, or trunk.
• Some cysts and lipomas run in families or tend to develop in multiples over time.

What to Expect During Evaluation and Removal

• Initial evaluation: Dr. Portela, Dr. Ferrell, or Dr. Buttars examines the growth, discusses your symptoms, and determines whether removal, drainage, or simple monitoring is the right next step.
• In-office procedure: Most cysts and lipomas are removed in a single, straightforward office visit using local anesthesia, so you are comfortable and alert throughout.
• Session length: Removal typically takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size, depth, and location of the growth.
• Downtime: Many patients return to normal activity the same day, with some mild soreness or swelling at the site for a few days.
• Aftercare: You will leave with simple wound care instructions, and stitches, if placed, are typically removed within one to two weeks.
• Pathology: When appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and provide peace of mind.

What Results Look Like

Removal of a cyst or lipoma is generally a definitive solution. Many patients find that once the growth is excised, it does not return in that exact location, though a small scar may be visible depending on size and placement.

• Inflamed or infected cysts often show noticeable relief within days of drainage or removal
• Surgical scars typically fade and soften over several months
• Occasionally, cysts can recur if the entire capsule is not removed, which is why experienced surgical technique matters
• Lipomas rarely return once fully excised

Who Should Consider Having a Cyst or Lipoma Evaluated

• Anyone with a new lump or bump that has appeared or changed over recent weeks or months
• Patients experiencing pain, tenderness, redness, or drainage from a cyst
• Adults bothered by the appearance of a visible lump on the face, neck, back, or arms
• Patients with a history of recurring cysts who want a permanent surgical solution
• Parents who notice a bump on a child or teenager and want a professional opinion
• Anyone unsure whether a growth is a cyst, lipoma, or something that warrants further investigation
• Idaho's active, outdoor lifestyle means bumps and lumps often get noticed during hiking, biking, or swimming season, and Treasure Valley Dermatology sees patients of all ages, from children to seniors

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if it's a cyst, a lipoma, or something else?

Cysts tend to feel firmer and are often located closer to the skin's surface, sometimes with a visible central pore. Lipomas are typically soft, doughy, and move freely under the skin. The most reliable way to know for certain is an in-person evaluation, since some growths can mimic one another or, less commonly, indicate something that needs further testing.

Does removing a cyst or lipoma hurt?

Removal is performed using local anesthesia, so most patients report only minimal discomfort, similar to a pinch, during the numbing injection. Once the area is numb, the procedure itself is generally well-tolerated, with soreness afterward that most patients manage with over-the-counter pain relief.

Will my insurance cover removal?

Coverage often depends on whether the growth is causing symptoms like pain, infection, or restricted movement, versus removal for purely cosmetic reasons. Our team can help you understand your options and discuss this in detail during your consultation.

Can a cyst or lipoma come back after removal?

Lipomas rarely recur once the entire growth is excised. Cysts can occasionally return if the surrounding capsule is not fully removed, which is why it matters to have the procedure performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Portela, Dr. Ferrell, or Dr. Buttars.

Should I be worried that a lump might be cancerous?

The great majority of cysts and lipomas are completely benign, and there is no need to panic if you find one. That said, any new or changing growth deserves a professional look, and our physicians are trained to recognize the rare cases that need additional evaluation or biopsy.

Why Choose Treasure Valley Dermatology

Treasure Valley Dermatology is home to Dr. Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and Idaho native, and Dr. Kelsey Ferrell, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and Dr. Ben Buttars, a board-certified dermatologist. All three physicians are board-certified dermatologists and experts in skin cancer surgery, giving patients access to advanced surgical precision and skin expertise rarely found together in one practice.

• Board-certified dermatologists and experts in skin cancer surgery under one roof, including fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Ferrell
• 700+ five-star reviews reflecting patients who say things like "she genuinely cares about her patients" and "so busy but you still feel like you're their only patient"
• Full-family care for children, teens, adults, and seniors across Boise and Meridian
• Comprehensive scope including medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, plus access to clinical trials
• A staff culture patients describe as "a breath of fresh air," with front office and medical assistant teams known for professionalism and attentiveness
• Two convenient locations serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Kuna, and the surrounding Treasure Valley

Ready to Have That Bump Checked?

You do not have to keep wondering about a lump under your skin. Whether it is a simple cyst, a lipoma, or something you would like a second opinion on, Dr. Portela, Dr. Ferrell, and Dr. Buttars can give you a clear diagnosis and a straightforward path forward.

Schedule your visit today at dermatologyboise.com/schedule-an-appointment or call our Boise or Meridian office. Treasure Valley Dermatology is here to give your skin the care it deserves, close to home.