Cyst Removal in New Braunfels: Why That Bump Under Your Skin Isn’t Going Away

Cyst Removal in New Braunfels: Why That Bump Under Your Skin Isn’t Going Away and What a Dermatologist Can Do About It

If you’re looking for a cyst removal dermatologist in New Braunfels, you’ve probably been dealing with a bump under your skin that won’t go away on its own — and might be getting bigger, more painful, or more noticeable.

Skin cysts and boils are among the most common reasons patients visit a dermatologist, and while both can look similar from the outside, they’re fundamentally different conditions that require different treatment approaches.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that skin cysts are extremely common and generally harmless, but they rarely resolve on their own and often require professional removal to prevent recurrence.

Boils (skin abscesses), on the other hand, are infections that may need medical drainage and antibiotic treatment. Knowing the difference — and knowing when to see a dermatologist — can save you weeks of discomfort and prevent complications.

At Elect Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists diagnose and remove skin cysts and treat boils for patients across Comal County — from downtown New Braunfels and Gruene to Canyon Lake, San Marcos, Seguin, and the surrounding Hill Country — with in-office procedures that are quick, safe, and designed to minimize scarring and prevent recurrence.

Cysts vs. Boils: Understanding What’s Under Your Skin

The first step in treating any bump under the skin is accurate diagnosis. Cysts and boils can feel similar — both present as firm or tender lumps beneath the skin surface — but they have different causes, different risks, and different treatment needs.

Epidermoid cysts (commonly called sebaceous cysts, though that term is technically inaccurate for most) are the most common type of skin cyst. They form when skin cells that normally shed to the surface instead move deeper into the skin and multiply, creating a sac filled with keratin — a thick, cheese-like protein material. Epidermoid cysts grow slowly, are usually painless unless inflamed, and can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, chest, and back.

Pilar cysts are similar but form from hair follicle cells rather than surface skin cells. They’re most common on the scalp and tend to be firmer than epidermoid cysts. Like epidermoid cysts, they’re benign but don’t resolve on their own.

Boils (furuncles) are skin infections — typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria — that begin in a hair follicle or oil gland. They start as a red, tender area that becomes firm and increasingly painful as pus accumulates. The AAD notes that boils can develop anywhere on the body but most commonly appear in areas with friction, sweating, or hair — the armpits, groin, buttocks, and thighs.

When to See a Cyst Removal Dermatologist in New Braunfels

Not every cyst or boil requires immediate medical attention, but there are clear situations where you should see a dermatologist rather than waiting or attempting home treatment.

See a dermatologist for a cyst when: it’s growing larger, it’s in a cosmetically sensitive area (face, neck, visible areas), it’s becoming painful or inflamed, it has ruptured or is draining, it keeps coming back after previous drainage, or you simply want it removed because it’s bothersome.

See a dermatologist for a boil when: it’s larger than 2 inches in diameter, the redness is spreading beyond the boil, you develop fever or feel unwell, it hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of warm compresses, you’re getting recurrent boils, or you have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or take immunosuppressive medications.

Never attempt to lance, squeeze, or pop a cyst or boil at home. This introduces bacteria deep into the tissue, dramatically increases the risk of infection and scarring, and — in the case of cysts — makes recurrence very likely because the cyst wall remains intact beneath the skin.

Dealing with a painful or growing bump under your skin? Our board-certified dermatologists provide expert cyst removal in New Braunfels with same-week appointments available. Call (833) 353-2875 or request an appointment online.

How a Dermatologist Performs Cyst Removal in New Braunfels

The gold standard for cyst removal is complete surgical excision — removing the entire cyst, including its wall (capsule), through a small incision. This is the only method that reliably prevents recurrence.

The excision procedure: Your dermatologist numbs the area with local anesthetic — you’ll feel a brief pinch and then nothing. A small incision is made over the cyst, and the entire cyst sac is carefully dissected free from the surrounding tissue and removed intact. The wound is closed with sutures, and the cyst is typically sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis. The entire procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Minimal excision technique: For smaller cysts in cosmetically sensitive areas, your dermatologist may use a minimal excision approach — making a smaller incision, expressing the cyst contents, and then carefully extracting the cyst wall through the smaller opening.

Incision and drainage (I&D): For inflamed or infected cysts, your dermatologist may first perform an incision and drainage to relieve pressure and pain, followed by antibiotics if infection is present. Complete excision is then performed after the inflammation has resolved — typically 4 to 6 weeks later.

How Dermatologists Treat Boils

Small boils may respond to warm compresses applied for 20 minutes several times daily. Your dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics if the infection appears to be spreading.

Larger boils and abscesses require incision and drainage — your dermatologist numbs the area, makes a small incision, and allows the accumulated pus to drain.

Recurrent boils are a common and frustrating problem. If you’re getting boils repeatedly, your dermatologist will evaluate for underlying causes — nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, conditions that compromise your immune system, or environmental factors that promote skin infections.

What to Expect After Cyst or Boil Removal

After cyst excision: You’ll have a small sutured wound that requires basic wound care — keeping it clean and dry, applying prescribed ointment, and avoiding strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours. Sutures are typically removed in 7 to 14 days depending on location.

After boil drainage: The wound is left open to continue draining and is covered with a sterile dressing that you’ll change daily. Most patients feel dramatically better within 24 hours of drainage as the pressure is relieved.

Recovery is straightforward for both procedures. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyst Removal in New Braunfels

Does insurance cover cyst removal? Yes — cyst excision is a medical procedure, not cosmetic, and is covered by most insurance plans. Our staff at Elect Dermatology will verify your specific coverage before the procedure.

How much does cyst removal cost without insurance? The cost of cyst excision varies based on the size and location of the cyst and ranges from approximately $200 to $600 for a straightforward excision.

Can a cyst become cancerous? Epidermoid and pilar cysts are benign and have an extremely low risk of malignant transformation. However, your dermatologist will send the excised tissue to pathology to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Any bump that is rapidly growing, fixed to deeper structures, or ulcerating should be evaluated promptly.

Why does my cyst keep coming back? Recurrence happens when the cyst wall is not completely removed. Simple drainage or squeezing empties the cyst contents but leaves the wall intact — and the wall is what produces the material that fills the cyst. Complete surgical excision by a dermatologist removes the entire cyst wall, which is why recurrence rates after proper excision are very low.

Can I pop or drain a cyst at home? No. Home drainage introduces bacteria into deeper tissue, increases the risk of abscess formation, causes more scarring, and makes recurrence very likely because the cyst wall remains intact.

Get Expert Cyst and Boil Removal in New Braunfels, TX

Whether you’re dealing with a cyst that’s been growing for months, a painful boil that won’t resolve, or recurrent bumps that keep coming back no matter what you try, a cyst removal dermatologist in New Braunfels can diagnose the problem accurately and remove it safely — often in a single office visit.

At Elect Dermatology, Dr. Hockley and Dr. Stahr perform cyst excisions and boil drainage in-office with local anesthesia, meticulous technique, and a focus on complete removal to prevent recurrence. We’ll examine your bump, explain exactly what it is, discuss your options, and — in most cases — remove it the same day.

New patients are welcome, and we’re currently accepting same-week appointments.

Call us today at (833) 353-2875 or request an appointment online. We’re conveniently located at 2154 Gabriels Pl, Ste 103, New Braunfels, TX 78130 — serving patients from across Comal County, including San Marcos, Seguin, Canyon Lake, Schertz, and the greater San Antonio area.