These common growths—cysts and lipomas—are rarely dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable, cosmetically frustrating, and a source of worry until a trained eye takes a look. Compassionate, in-office removal can give you peace of mind and a smoother result, often in a single visit.
Dr. Elizabeth Benstock brings more than two decades of board-certified dermatology experience to every evaluation and procedure at Benstock Dermatology. Patients across Newtown Square, Media, Broomall, Havertown, and the surrounding communities trust her steady hands and thoughtful approach to medical dermatology.
What Are Cysts and Lipomas?
Cysts and lipomas are two of the most common benign (non-cancerous) growths found beneath the skin. While they may look similar from the outside, they have important differences:
- Cysts are sacs filled with fluid, keratin, or other material. Epidermoid and pilar cysts are the most frequent types and often appear on the face, neck, scalp, chest, or back.
- Lipomas are slow-growing pockets of fatty tissue that feel soft, rubbery, and movable under the skin. They commonly develop on the shoulders, arms, torso, or thighs.
Both can appear at any age and sometimes run in families. As part of the broader medical dermatology services at Benstock Dermatology, evaluation and removal are performed with the same precision as any in-office skin surgery.
Benefits of Professional Removal
- Accurate diagnosis to rule out other conditions
- Relief from pain, pressure, or irritation
- Lower risk of infection or rupture
- Improved appearance and renewed confidence
- Minimal scarring through skilled surgical technique
Who Is a Candidate?
Anyone with a persistent lump, bump, or nodule beneath the skin can benefit from a dermatologic evaluation. Treatment is often recommended when a growth becomes painful, inflamed, rapidly changing, or simply bothersome. Even small, symptom-free growths may be removed for cosmetic reasons. When there’s any uncertainty about whether a lesion could be something more serious, an in-office assessment provides clarity quickly.
The Treatment Process
Most cysts and lipomas are removed during a comfortable in-office procedure using local anesthesia. After numbing the area, a small incision is made, the growth is carefully removed in full, and the skin is closed with fine sutures. The visit typically takes less than an hour. When appropriate, the tissue is sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis.
Recovery and Results
Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next. Mild soreness, bruising, or swelling can be expected for several days, and stitches are usually removed within one to two weeks. With proper technique and aftercare, scarring is generally minimal, and once a cyst or lipoma is fully excised, recurrence is uncommon.
Why Choose Benstock Dermatology for Cysts and Lipomas Treatment in Newtown Square, PA?
Dr. Elizabeth Benstock is a board-certified dermatologist and Yale University School of Medicine graduate who has earned recognition as a Main Line Top Doc, Philly Mag Top Doc, and Castle Connolly Top Doctor year after year. Her practice has served Delaware County families for approximately 25 years, combining surgical precision with a warm, judgment-free environment.
Alongside CRNP Brittney Palmiero, Dr. Benstock cares for children and adults from Newtown Square, Media, Broomall, Havertown, Edgemont, West Chester, Glen Mills, and Chadds Ford. From skin cancer screenings to cosmetic services, every visit reflects her commitment to thoughtful, individualized care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smoother Skin Starts With an Expert Evaluation
A bothersome bump doesn’t have to stay a mystery. Accurate diagnosis, gentle in-office removal, and meaningful peace of mind are all within reach at Benstock Dermatology. Call (610) 325-5553 to schedule a consultation today.