- About
-
Conditions
- Treatments
- Technology
- BOOK CONSULTATION
- Search Site
Not every bump on your skin is a pimple. Sometimes, what looks like acne is actually a small cyst forming beneath the surface. At Calgary Vein & Laser, our medical team often sees patients who’ve tried to pop or treat what they thought was a breakout—only to find it was a deeper, encapsulated cyst. Unlike pimples, cysts don’t drain easily and can worsen if handled incorrectly. Knowing how to recognize them early and when to seek professional care helps protect your skin and prevent scarring. The safest solution is excision surgery, a simple in-office procedure that removes cysts completely. For expert diagnosis and treatment, contact Calgary Vein & Laser today
A pimple is a superficial skin lesion caused by clogged pores and oil buildup. A cyst, however, forms deeper in the skin when trapped cells or glandular blockages create a sac filled with keratin or sebum. To the untrained eye, both may appear as red bumps or whiteheads—but cysts are firmer, often painless, and persist for weeks or months.
1. Size and Texture
Cysts usually feel smooth, round, and firm beneath the skin. They’re typically larger than pimples and don’t have the pus-filled top that acne does.
2. Longevity
While pimples resolve within days, cysts linger. They may stay the same size for weeks or slowly enlarge over time.
3. Lack of Pain or Drainage
Many cysts are painless unless infected, and even when pressed, they won’t release fluid or “pop.”
4. Recurrent Lumps in the Same Spot
A cyst capsule remains under the skin, meaning the bump may reappear repeatedly in the exact same place—something true pimples rarely do.
Recognizing these differences early can prevent unnecessary irritation or infection from attempted at-home treatment.
Trying to pop a cyst often leads to inflammation, infection, or scarring. Unlike acne, cysts have a wall that traps their contents. Pressing on them only pushes the keratin deeper, causing redness and sometimes rupture beneath the skin.
Even if you manage to drain some material, the capsule remains intact. The result? The cyst refills, often larger than before. Repeated squeezing also damages healthy tissue, leaving permanent marks that may require laser treatment later to correct.
If you suspect your “pimple” isn’t healing, it’s time for professional assessment. At Calgary Vein & Laser, our specialists perform detailed evaluations to confirm whether a lesion is a cyst and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
The gold-standard solution is excision surgery, a safe, straightforward procedure performed under local anesthesia. During excision, the doctor removes both the cyst and its capsule, preventing it from returning. The incision is small, typically closed with a fine suture, and heals within one to two weeks.
After removal, patients receive tailored aftercare instructions to protect the skin and reduce scarring. For those concerned about residual redness or pigmentation, laser treatment can further improve texture and tone once healing is complete.
You should book an assessment if:
Early evaluation ensures proper treatment and prevents long-term scarring or infection
Infection
Breaking the skin introduces bacteria into the cyst cavity, which can quickly lead to infection. Infected cysts become swollen, red, and painful, often requiring medical drainage or antibiotics.
Inflammation and Scarring
Forcing the contents out causes unnecessary trauma to the skin. The pressure and inflammation can lead to long-term discolouration, thickened scar tissue, or pitting — issues that can be difficult to correct even with professional laser treatment afterward.
Incomplete Removal and Recurrence
Even if it looks like the cyst is gone, the underlying sac almost always remains. Unless it’s completely removed through excision surgery, the cyst will reform. Each attempt to pop it increases the risk of complications and deeper scarring.
Misdiagnosis
Not every lump under the skin is a cyst. Attempting to drain a growth without medical confirmation could mean interfering with something that requires different or more urgent treatment.
If you notice a lump that resembles a cyst, the safest step is to schedule a professional evaluation. At Calgary Vein & Laser, our medical team performs thorough assessments to confirm the type of cyst and determine the right treatment plan.
For confirmed epidermoid or sebaceous cysts, excision surgery is the gold standard. This simple, in-office procedure removes the entire cyst capsule, ensuring it doesn’t return. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and most patients resume normal activities the same day.
To minimize scarring and even out skin tone after removal, laser treatment may also be recommended. This helps refine the skin’s surface and promote smoother healing
When a blemish won’t go away, guessing can do more harm than good. Calgary Vein & Laser combines diagnostic precision with advanced excision surgery to safely remove cysts and restore clear, healthy skin. Our team also provides personalized aftercare and optional laser treatment to minimize post-procedure scarring. If you suspect your breakout is something more, don’t pop it—get it properly evaluated. For trusted, professional care, contact us today.
No. Cysts form beneath the skin’s surface, and squeezing them only releases part of the contents, increasing the risk of infection. Contact Calgary Vein and Laser today for safe and effective cyst removal.
Because the cyst wall or capsule remains intact. Only excision surgery fully removes it to prevent recurrence.
Yes. The pressure and trauma from squeezing can damage surrounding tissue, leading to noticeable scars or discolouration.
Take the first step toward confidence! At Calgary Vein & Laser, we provide advanced treatments to improve vein health and enhance skin radiance. Rid yourself of varicose veins and rejuvenate your skin's complexion by booking your free consultation today—your journey to healthier veins and radiant skin starts here!
