Scalp Cyst Removal and Hair Loss
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Treatment of a sebaceous cyst is done through complete removal of the cyst. Excision of the cyst is simple, however for a scalp cyst, surgeons may have to manipulate the hair follicles that are already under pressure from an expanding cyst. This process may cause damage to some hair follicles that lay over the cyst.
I have seen this condition many times where patients lose hair after removal of a scalp cyst. The most common cyst of the scalp is a sebaceous cyst that is generally an accumulation of sebum in a capsule in the subcutaneous area (below the skin level). The cyst may happen anywhere in the body.
Patients may experience scalp scarring and hair loss around the incision that is made for cyst removal. This balding spot can be permanent, but depends upon the size and location of the hair loss patch. This can be treated by simple excision or for larger hair loss patches hair transplantation onto the bald area might become necessary.
