Scrotal sebaceous cysts treatment

Same Day Availability

Yes. Available same day for those who have received a quote.

Local anaesthetic

Cream/Injection +/- Gas and Air

Appointment length (approx.)

Main Procedure – 60 minutes. Follow Up – 30 minutes (if needed)

Recovery & aftercare

Continue with your day, minimising physical activity. Learn more.

Fees

From £550. Learn more.

Locations

Journey Overview

For patients who have filled out a pre-appointment questionnaire before booking and received a quote will be available for same day  Scrotal sebaceous cyst treatment by hyfrecation.

#1 Pre-Appointment Questionnaire

Your journey starts by filling out our pre-appointment questionnaire. If you are interested in having your treatment on the same day as your consultation, we will ask you to submit photos along with the form.

#2 Receive a Quote

Once you have submitted your questionnaire and photos, our clinical team will review them. Following this review, we will provide you with a quote for the procedure ahead of your appointment.

#3 Consultation

During your in-person consultation, we will assess the area and discuss the hyfrecation procedure with you. This is the dedicated time to address any of your questions. We find that many patients have already been diagnosed elsewhere and are primarily seeking an effective treatment option.

#4 Procedure

If you decide to proceed, the treatment can typically be performed on the same day. We use local anaesthetic (either a numbing cream or an injection) to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is completely numb, the lesions are carefully removed using hyfrecation, which leaves behind smooth skin with minimal downtime.

#5 Follow Up

One follow-up appointment within 4 weeks is included with your treatment. This allows us to assess the healing process and manage any remaining lesions. After your procedure, we will also provide you with an aftercare pack that includes skin wipes and gauze.

Our Method of Treatment

While Hyfrecation has been an established treatment method for over 80 years, it is less well-known than Laser in the UK for treating skin lesions. Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure that uses electrocautery to burn off skin lesions, resulting in their immediate clearance. Carried out under local anaesthesia, Hyfrecation is a very safe and effective procedure. To achieve the best results, a touch-up may sometimes be needed a couple of weeks later.

The procedure leaves a small, raw area which typically heals within a few days. As with any medical procedure, it is essential to be aware of possible side effects. Potential short-term side effects include bleeding, bruising, soreness, and infection. Long-term side effects are rare but can include changes in skin colour, scarring, the development of neuralgic pain, or a loss of sensation in the treated area.

Learn more about hyfrecation here. And click here for hyfrecation aftercare.

 

Eligibility

Best For

Cosmetic removal due to impact on confidence, lifestyle, or relationships. Medical reasons like frequent bleeding, rapid growth, or itching.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Safe to perform during pregnancy.

Menstruation

Safe to perform during menstruation/bleeding.

Prior/Repeat Use

Yes, treatment is suitable even if you have had prior, unsuccessful procedures like laser.

Do NOT use if

You have an active genital skin infection (e.g., herpes outbreak, eczema). Your diabetes or blood pressure is not under control.

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Avoid/Discuss if

E.g. your lesions keep coming back.

Patient Feedback

FAQs

How do I know if I am eligible for treatment?

Whilst it is only really after seeing you that we can make sure that you’re eligible for treatment, submitting our questionnaire (with pictures) will provide us with a very good idea.

Can I be treated for scrotal sebaceous cysts if I have been treated before?

Absolutely. We occasionally take on patients who have had laser treatment in the past and are seeking further treatment due to an unsatisfactory outcome or recurrence. Hyfrecation treatment can be safely performed in such patients with excellent results.

From what age can I be treated for scrotal sebaceous cysts?

We can see patients from the age of 18 and above at our clinic.

Are there any health conditions that might stop me from getting this treatment?

Occasionally, patients may have one of the following issues affecting the penile skin which needs to be addressed before undertaking the hyfrecation treatment:

  • Infection of the surrounding skin.
  • An outbreak of Genital herpes.
  • Localised active Inflammatory conditions of the penile skin (for example, eczema).
  • If you suffer from diabetes, and your sugar levels are out of control.
  • If you suffer from hypertension, and your Blood Pressure is not controlled.
Can scrotal sebaceous cysts be cured?

Most people who are treated with scrotal sebaceous cysts do not show recurrence of their lesions, and therefore do not need to return for further treatment. However, as with any treatment, this is not something we can guarantee.

What benefits are there to treating scrotal sebaceous cysts?

If left untreated, scrotal sebaceous cysts can become infected, causing swelling, redness and tenderness around the cyst and they may burst, producing pus with a foul odour.

Whilst scrotal sebaceous cysts are harmless and normal, their presence can cause marked psychological distress. Their appearance can be perceived as unsightly, or they may be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection which can cause significant stigma. People who are distressed by their scrotal sebaceous cysts may feel having them removed improves their self-esteem, confidence, and overall sex life.

Is there anything I can do at home if I have scrotal sebaceous cysts?

If you have scrotal sebaceous cysts, it’s highly discouraged to attempt any home remedies, including physical removal, burning, squeezing or ‘popping’ the cysts, or application of any over-the-counter remedies.

Avoid shaving and waxing in the area as this can irritate the skin and cause an infection.

How can I prepare for my appointment?

Avoid shaving or waxing before your appointment to reduce the risk of infection. You may also want to have a shower on the day of your appointment to avoid the risk of infection further. Otherwise, there is nothing in particular you need to do and you can go about your day as usual.

Will I need to take time off after my appointment?

You typically do not need to take time off after your scrotal sebaceous cyst treatment. You will be able to go about your day as usual, unless you have a very physically demanding job. Avoid undertaking heavy physical exercise for 48 hours after the procedure.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.

However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you feel comfortable. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.

What travel arrangements should I make for after the appointment?

You do not need to make any special arrangements for after your procedure. However, if you would feel more comfortable, you may request a family member/friend/partner to accompany you on the way home.

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

We currently do not deal with insurance companies ourselves. You will need to check with your healthcare insurance provider if they cover treatment for scrotal sebaceous cysts. We highly recommend getting approval in writing to avoid any miscommunication with your insurance company.

How will the appointment work?

When you arrive for your appointment, we will invite you in for the initial consultation.

Once we have reviewed your lesions, we will proceed to prepare you for the procedure (as long as you have booked in for same day treatment). This will involve going through the consent form, taking any pre-procedure pictures and applying the numbing cream in privacy.

After letting the numbing cream settle for approx. 15-20 minutes, we will check to make sure the area is numb and then continue to remove the lesions using Hyfrecation.

After the procedure, we will offer you aftercare advice and give you an aftercare pack with some items to help with the recovery.

Will the procedure hurt?

With the numbing cream the procedure will be as painless as possible. Your clinician will confirm the total numbness of skin before undertaking the procedure.

Can I listen to my music during the procedure?

Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.

What should I expect after my appointment?

You may experience a little soreness at the site. This is completely normal and you can take painkillers against the discomfort. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the skin to heal and most side effects should disappear within this time.

What do I do if I think I have a problem after the appointment?

If you think that something is wrong, please request a follow up call by contacting our clinic.

How soon after my appointment can I have sex?

It’s advised to abstain from sex and avoid masturbation until the area is healed (approx. 1-2 weeks). Intercourse during the healing process can increase the risk of infection, scarring or bleeding.

Will I require a follow up appointment after my appointment?

All patients who have gone through the main procedure are welcome to book in for a follow up appointment within 1-4 weeks after their procedure (included in the fee). This is entirely optional but can be useful for those whose skin requires a touch up.

What are the chances this Scrotal sebaceous cyst will come back after treatment?

Most people who are treated with scrotal sebaceous cysts do not show recurrence of their lesions, and therefore do not need to return for further treatment. However, as with any treatment, this is not something we can guarantee.

Fees

Genital Dermatology Consultation - £150

Genital Dermatology Consultation + Main Procedure + Follow Up - From £550

Local anaesthetic (by injection or cream depending on the lesions) is also included in the price. The following conditions have fixed prices:

  • Fordyce Spots - Patch Test (£350) + Main Procedure (£750 penile and/or £750 shaft)
  • Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) - £750-1000
  • Vestibular papillomatosis - Patch Test (£350) + Main Procedure (£750)

 

Follow up (within 4 weeks) - 1x Included

By default, patients 1x follow up visit is included in the quote we offer you. In some complex cases, we may offer an additional follow up visit (this will be clarified in your quote/consultation).

Payment Options

Self Pay - by Cash/Card, but not American Express

Health insurance - via a self reimbursement policy

ClarePay/Klarna - a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.

Next Steps

Care In Clinic

Same day hyfrecation treatment for patients with a pre-appointment quote.

Care Online

Start or continue your care online.

Page last reviewed by Dr. Manoj Malu 19 January 2023 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.