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Health

Removal of atheroma

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 24.03.2022
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Removal of atheroma is considered a simple procedure that is carried out on an outpatient basis.

Atheroma is a benign neoplasm or, more accurately, a sebaceous gland cyst that forms for different reasons. Neoplasm can be localized in virtually any area of the body except for the palms and feet. Atheroma is characterized by a specific property - it can not be disposed of without surgical intervention, conservative or non-traditional treatment does not work and only contribute to the recurrence of sebaceous blockage.

Depending on the localization of the cyst, the operation is performed in various ways, as a rule, low-traumatic and almost painless.

Indication for enucleation (removal) of atheroma: 

  • Pronounced cosmetic defect.
  • Inflammation of the cyst.
  • Suppuration of the cyst.
  • Physical discomfort caused by large atheroma (cyst under the arm, in the groin, on the neck, behind the ear).
  • Localization of atheroma in the zone of location of large blood vessels and the risk of their squeezing.
  • Abscess, phlegmon, caused by festering atheroma.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4]

Is it painful to remove atheroma?

The procedure for enucleation of the sebaceous cyst is virtually painless. It is painful to remove atheroma - this question bothers many, but those who have already got rid of unpleasant densification, can share experience and tell that everything passes quickly and is slightly traumatic.

In 90% of cases, removal is performed using a local anesthetic. General anesthesia is used very rarely, mainly for young children, who need to undergo surgery according to vital indications. In all other cases, general anesthesia is irrational and does not correspond to the scope of the procedure.

Anesthetic is found directly in the skin, at the depth of the cellulitis directly into the base of the cyst. The effect of anesthesia lasts up to half an hour, during this time the surgeon manages to conduct total enucleation of the cyst. If the atheroma is large, an additional dose of anesthetic is administered to the patient so that the patient does not experience discomfort.

Before anesthesia, it is possible to carry out a sample of the reaction in terms of drug tolerability. For local anesthesia use lidocaine, novocaine, less often - bupivacaine or marcaine (prolonged anesthetic). Anesthetics are aimed at temporary blocking the development and transmission of a painful nerve impulse, almost all drugs have specific contraindications: 

  • Pregnancy, breast-feeding.
  • Malignant tumors.
  • Meningitis.
  • With caution in blood diseases.
  • Anemia.
  • Ascites.
  • Clearly expressed hypotension.

Is it painful to remove atheroma? Most often, the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort, but it all depends on the complexity of the operation. Purulent cyst will be more difficult to remove, respectively, its neutralization may be accompanied by pain sensations of moderate severity. A simple small atheroma is removed very quickly, almost unnoticeably, especially if laser or radio wave technology is used.

Removal of atheroma in children

The sebaceous gland cyst in babies can be congenital, but most often it is diagnosed as a retentive neoplasm at the age of 5 to 16-17 years. The causes of atheroma in childhood are associated either with heredity (skin type and metabolism), or with age-related changes, including hormonal (pubertal period). The cyst rarely delivers a child discomfort, rather it is a cosmetic, irritating factor. To remove or observe atheroma the doctor decides, it all depends on the condition of the tumor, the age of the baby and the possible risk associated with the localization of education.

Removal of atheroma in children is not performed in such cases: 

  • Atheroma does not exceed the dimensions of 1-1.5 centimeters.
  • Neoplasm is located on the shoulder, on the back or chest and does not interfere with the life of the child.
  • Atheroma does not become inflamed, does not increase in size.
  • The cyst of the sebaceous gland does not squeeze nearby large blood vessels with its growth.
  • Atheroma does not have closely located lymph nodes.
  • A simple, small cyst is not removed until the child reaches the age of 3-4 years, possibly a later period - 7-10 years.

Removal of atheroma in children is mandatory for such indications: 

  • The cyst is located on the face, in the groin, in the armpit.
  • Atheroma rapidly increases to gigantic proportions.
  • Atheroma is inflamed and inflamed, hence represents a risk of developing an abscess and even phlegmon.
  • Neoplasm interferes with the development and function of nearby important organs of the body (cyst in the nose, above the eyebrow, near the eye, ear, in the groin).
  • The cyst compresses the blood vessels and provokes inflammation of the regional lymph nodes.

Before, to remove the cyst from the baby, the doctor will necessarily conduct differential diagnosis and make sure that the tumor is an atheroma, and not another, similar in appearance skin disease. The child can be assigned such tests and studies: 

  1. Ultrasound of the neoplasm and the surrounding zone.
  2. Blood test (UAC).
  3. X-ray.
  4. Computed tomography or MRI on indications (atheroma in the head, groin, neck).

If the doctor decides to remove the cyst, the operation is performed under general anesthesia for children under 7 years old, under local anesthesia, children aged 7-8 years and older are operated. Most often the procedure does not take much time, for children the most sparing medical technologies are used - laser removal of atheroma or vaporization of the cyst with the help of the radio wave method. The laser works well if the atheroma is very small and has no signs of inflammation. Enucleation of atheroma with a scalpel also takes place in pediatric surgery, this method is well suited for treating a large cyst or in the case of an inflammatory process, suppuration. Atheroma is opened, conditions are created for outflow of purulent contents (drainage), local anti-inflammatory agents (ointments, solutions, sprays) are used. After evacuating the entire contents of the cysts and the symptoms of inflammation subsiding, the atheroma is completely removed, together with the capsule, so as not to leave a single chance for relapse and not to expose the child to another, repeated operation. The children undergo a rehabilitation period much better than adults, since they have more developed reparative properties of the body. As a rule, after 2-3 months, probably earlier, the scars completely resolve and become almost invisible.

Laser removal of atheroma

To completely remove the cyst of the sebaceous gland, it is fully harvested, otherwise relapse and repeated operation are inevitable. The most radical method is the removal of atheroma with a scalpel, during which the tip of the formation is opened, cuts are made of the skin and all the components of the cyst are available for enucleation. Removing an atheroma with a laser is a more gentle method, it is considered to be a minor trauma and practically does not leave a postoperative scar. However, this technology is used to treat small, inflammation-free neoplasms. Advantages of laser removal of the sebaceous gland cyst: 

  • Clearly expressed cosmetic effect, practically without seams and scars.
  • Suitable for removing atheroma on the face, in the scalp.
  • A short time period in the sense of carrying out the procedure is no more than 20-25 minutes.
  • Absolute absence of pain, the operation is performed under local anesthesia.
  • Simultaneous coagulation of tissues, vessels, resulting in the procedure becomes anemic.
  • High antiseptic effect.
  • Accuracy. The procedure is carried out within healthy tissues with maximum preservation.

Laser removal of atheroma and other tumors, similar in symptomatology, refers to the category of "minor surgery" or "one day operations". The meaning of manipulation is the directional action of the laser scalpel on the cyst, during this time the cavity of the atheroma is destroyed, and the detritus (contents) is evaporated. Thus, the need for scraping disappears in the same way as possible relapses during the operation with a simple scalpel. After the cyst is removed, the wound is treated with special preparations (antiseptics), ointments with regenerative, absorbable properties are applied to it.

Radio wave removal of atheroma

Among the latter, the achievement of medical science should be noted radio wave method, which is successfully used in the removal of various neoplasms, both benign and malignant.

Radio wave removal of atheroma is a simple painless procedure, during which the device "Surgitron" is used or as it is often called "radio wave knife". The technology is based on the ability of electricity to transform into waves that, with the help of the device, "assemble" into a specific beam and are sent to the site of the neoplasm. This kind of "knife" is dissected by soft tissues, which would be more correct to designate as expansion, rather than dissection. The mechanism of such a "pass" of a wave is based on the heat emitted by the human body. Radio wave removal of atheroma has many advantages, among which are the following: 

  • Absolute absence of pain.
  • Preservation of tissue integrity and no need for suturing.
  • Absence of scars after surgery.
  • The operation is practically bloodless.
  • The use of a radio-knife allows the simultaneous coagulation of tissues and blood vessels.
  • The procedure is very fast, 15-20 minutes.
  • The radio wave method has all the advantages of laser technology, but it is more rapid and therefore more affordable in terms of the cost of the procedure.
  • The healing process of the place "spreading" of the tissues lasts 14-20 days.

The use of a radio knife is effective, but has its own contraindications, such diseases and conditions include: 

  • Epilepsy in the anamnesis.
  • Oncological diseases.
  • Diabetes.
  • Infectious diseases.
  • Glaucoma.
  • The presence of a pacemaker.
  • Any diseases that are in acute stage of development.
  • Dental implants made of metal.

Laser removal of atheroma

The laser technique of atheroma removal is considered one of the safest and most effective methods. However, this technology can be used only in the treatment of small cysts of sebaceous glands, large-scale atheromas are excised with a scalpel.

Laser removal of atheroma is the use of an erbium or CO2 laser. Most often cosmetologists, dermatologists use a CO2 laser, which is called so in accordance with the type of medium that generates the beam stream (concentrated carbon dioxide). This method was first used in the last century, in 1964, and is still considered reliable and effective in treating dermatological and cosmetology problems.

How does laser removal of atheroma occur? 

  1. The cyst zone is treated with an antiseptic.
  2. At the top of the atheroma, an anesthetic is injected (injectively, more rarely externally).
  3. The cavity of the cyst is opened with the help of a laser scalpel, there is practically no incision, but in any case, the tissues should be moved apart.
  4. The contents of the cyst are literally evaporated under the influence of carbon dioxide directed without the need to remove the capsule.
  5. In parallel, there is coagulation of the vessels, so the laser method is considered bloodless.
  6. The site of the opening of the atheroma is treated with an antiseptic without suturing.
  7. On the surgical site, a sterile bandage is applied, which should be kept for 2-3 days.
  8. Laser technology is good because when removing atheroma in the scalp, the site for manipulation is not shaved, thus, the patient gets rid of the unpleasant feature, which is standard for normal surgery with a scalpel.

Removal of the sebaceous gland cyst by a laser scalpel is not only an excellent cosmetic effect, but also the absence of pain, scarring, and also relapses.

Electrocoagulation of atheroma

Electrocoagulation is a method based on the use of an electrical current of varying magnitude (direct or alternating current). As a rule, this way neutralize the retentional neoplasm, which does not have signs of inflammation or suppuration. How is electrocoagulation of atheroma? •

  • Local infiltration anesthesia is performed.
  • With the help of a special electrode, similar to a surgical scalpel, the top of the neoplasm is cut (the skin is cut).
  • Next, the electroscalpel dissects the capsule of the atheroma.
  • The surgeon gently squeezes the contents of the cyst into a sterile napkin.
  • In the opening, a tweezer and a scraping tool are inserted, and the cavity is completely cleaned (removed), thus the capsule itself is removed.
  • The cavity is treated with an antiseptic.
  • The surgical wound is stitched with a cosmetic suture.
  • A sterile dressing is applied over the seam, napkin.

It should be noted that electrocoagulation atheroma is currently used extremely rarely, since most manipulation rooms in medical institutions are equipped with laser devices, in addition, the use of electric current, although painless, but quite often gives relapses.

trusted-source[5], [6], [7]

Operation with athere

How does the standard operation work with athere?

After a primary examination and palpation, the doctor determines the way to remove the sebaceous cyst. If a traditional method is assigned to a patient - removal of atheroma with a scalpel, it is worth familiarizing with the rules of preparation for the procedure: 

  • On the day of routine surgery, it is best not to eat or drink anything. On the eve you need to keep a sparing diet.
  • Before the operation the doctor necessarily conducts a test for the tolerability of the anesthetic.
  • The enucleation zone of the cyst is treated with an antiseptic. If the atheroma is localized in the scalp, the place for the operation is shaved.
  • Anesthesia of the operation zone is carried out with the help of cheating with novocaine or lidocaine.
  • The doctor makes a cut over the top of the cyst.
  • Atheroma can be removed in several ways - without the formation of a lumen or with a complete culling out of the capsule after extrusion of detritus (for better cosmetic effect). The incision at removal of a neoplasm is inevitable, but the maximum dissection of a skin does not exceed 4-5 millimeters.
  • Atheroma tissue must be sent to the laboratory for histological examination. Thus, the diagnosis of atheroma is confirmed and the possibility of malignancy of the cyst is excluded.
  • After hatching atheroma, the cut is sutured with small cosmetic sutures with the help of special materials that have the property of self-absorbing.
  • Sutures, as a rule, are not removed, as the suture material can dissolve within 5-7days (catgut, glycolide-lactide, polysorb).
  • In the area of tissue dissection, a small scar remains, but within 1.5-3 months it disappears, especially the tissues of the back and chest. Scars on the face and head are more slowly resolved.

Operation at an atheroma is carried out at any time of year, it is believed that small subcutaneous cysts are removed more easily and without consequences. Inflamed, purulent atheroma requires more thorough preparation and preliminary treatment of pathological symptoms, therefore, when the abscess is opened, an incision is made, it is also needed again - during the operation. The consequence of such traumatization of tissues is a scar that not only heals and dissolves for a long time, but is also noticeable both to the patient himself and to others.

Effects of atheroma removal

Surgery for enucleation of the sebaceous cyst refers to simple surgical procedures. The consequences of removal of atheroma - this is the usual postoperative sutures, if the tumor was removed with a scalpel. If a laser or radio wave method was used, the seams are not superimposed in such cases, therefore, there should not be any cosmetic defects on the skin in principle.

The consequences of the removal of atheroma in the form of complications - this is a great rarity, which is most often associated with improper skin care and non-compliance with medical recommendations. What can disturb the patient after the operation? 

  • Local increase in the temperature of the skin as a reaction to the intrusion of the scalpel.
  • Very rarely - a general increase in body temperature. This happens if the patient has been operated on for atheroma during an acute exacerbation of the underlying disease. Such cases are difficult to imagine, since before the manipulation the doctor not only examines the patient, but also conducts preliminary examinations, excluding such consequences.
  • Slight puffiness in the area of cyst removal.
  • The accumulation of tissue fluid in the subcutaneous tissue with the removal of giant atheroma. In such cases, a special pressure bandage or the introduction of a drainage tube is shown.
  • Secondary infection of postoperative suture due to non-compliance with basic rules of personal hygiene.

The consequences after removal of the atheroma in most cases are simple procedures, connected either with dressings, or with applying to the scar of absorbable ointments. Within 2-3 months, sometimes earlier, the scar disappears and completely resolves, and the use of new high-tech methods (laser, radio-knife) completely excludes any negative complications after the removal of atheroma.

trusted-source[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Atheroma after removal

The procedure for removing the sebaceous gland cyst belongs to the "one day operation" category, that is, all manipulations are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require specific post-operative care.

Atheroma after removal is the actions of medical personnel: 

  • Possible suturing when using a surgical scalpel. The laser method, just like the radio wave method, does not presuppose a rough dissection of the skin, therefore, the seams are not superimposed.
  • Dressings in case of sutures. This happens with enucleation of giant atheromas, which most often develop in the scalp.
  • Aseptic treatment of the rumen in case of signs of its inflammation. Such situations can be at removal of an atheroma of the big size or at an enucleation of a purulent cyst.
  • Sutures are removed after 5-7 days after the procedure, it all depends on the size of the operation and the size of the cyst.
  • The healing process of postoperative sutures lasts about two weeks. During this period, it is necessary to follow the doctor's instructions for caring for the zone of operation. External medicinal products with anti-inflammatory, resorptive and healing properties may be prescribed.

Atheroma after removal. Care rules: 

  • You can not wet the area of cyst removal within two days.
  • The wound surface should be treated daily with an antiseptic prescribed by a doctor.
  • During the week, a bandage should be worn at the site of a distant atheroma to avoid the risk of infection. If the cyst was located in the scalp, you should wear a clean headdress.

The cosmetic effect after the manipulation is associated not so much with the surgical method as with the magnitude of the atheroma, the application of the correct algorithm and the experience of the doctor. Also, the speed of healing and resorption of postoperative scar is directly related to the features of the patient's skin and the state of his health in general.

trusted-source[14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Complications after removal of atheroma

What complications may occur after the enucleation of the sebaceous gland cyst? 

  • Slight puffiness in the area of the operation, especially if the atheroma was large, more than 3-5 centimeters. When removing such cysts tissue incisions are inevitable, respectively, a violation of their integrity leads to subsequent local inflammation and swelling.
  • Increased skin temperature in the area of operation, up to 37-38 degrees. This happens when the cyst is located in the groin zone, in the armpits, on the scalp.
  • A small hematoma. Such bruising is possible with enucleation with a scalpel, most often in the face area. As a rule, this zone is tried to operate with laser or radio wave method, but purulent atheroma requires a traditional method of treatment, in which access to the cavity of the neoplasm is maximized. Accordingly, hematomas in the area of skin dissection are almost inevitable, but they quickly resolve. Small hemorrhages may also occur when the tumor is removed in the eye area, because the vessels in this zone are very fragile and very close to the skin.
  • Hyperemia, reddening of the skin in the area of the procedure is not considered a complication, however, if it does not abate for 5-7 days, you should consult a doctor and eliminate the risk of secondary infection.
  • Slow healing of postoperative scar. Such cases happen, if the wound gets an infection, or if there is a violation of blood circulation in the operation area.
  • Relapse, the formation of a new atheroma. This is possible if the cyst has been removed partially. As a rule, the treatment of atheroma is its radical enucleation, but the inflamed or purulent neoplasm is very difficult to eliminate due to the fact that under the influence of infection the tissues "melt" and the atheroma loses its clear outlines. In such cases, repeated treatment of inflammation is shown and after the symptomatology subsides, another operation is performed.

Removal of atheroma is rarely accompanied by complications, and the process of tissue regeneration passes quickly - for 2-3 months. This is due to the benign course of the disease, which never degenerates into a malignant process. Nevertheless, the atheroma should be removed as soon as possible, not allowing its growth, inflammation or suppuration, to which it is inclined, only in this way it is possible to avoid unpleasant consequences after the operation, as well as visible cosmetic defect in the form of a scar.

trusted-source[19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28]

Where to remove the atheroma?

Atheroma is diagnosed by a dermatologist or a cosmetologist. It can also be identified and differentiated from other similar skin and subcutaneous tissue tumors, similar to the symptoms, by a surgeon. Where to remove the atheroma? This question is asked by many patients when they hear the diagnosis. Since the sebaceous gland cysts are treated only by surgical methods, it is possible to get rid of it only in a specialized medical institution. The operation is carried out, as a rule, on an outpatient basis, less often in a hospital setting and involves such options for choosing the venues for the procedure: 

  • Polyclinic, manipulation room in the surgical department.
  • Dermatological polyclinic, hospital, manipulation room.
  • Cosmetology Center, which has the appropriate license to conduct similar procedures.

Where can not be removed atheroma: 

  • In the salons of hairdressing salons, even if such institutions offer a similar service. The operation should be performed by a physician, rather than a specialist in aesthetics, make-up or visage.
  • At home. The contents of the cyst can be squeezed out, but such amateur activity is fraught with an inflammatory process, festering with atheroma and consequences in the form of phlegmon.

Where to remove atheroma can be solved after the initial consultation of the local doctor or, as an option, should immediately go to a specialized clinic - the center of cosmetology, dermatology. The sebaceous gland cyst is not a malignant tumor, so it does not require long-term treatment or stationary conditions. However, it should be removed as soon as possible and only with the help of surgical methods.

Removal price of atheroma

Most likely, removal of an atheroma will be paid. The issue of price depends on many factors: 

  • Location of the patient. In different cities the price of atheroma removal can differ from each other.
  • The magnitude of the atheroma. A small cyst is removed very quickly, respectively, the cost of the procedure will be small. Atheroma of large size requires more thorough preparation, more time, the price of the operation will increase.
  • Location of the neoplasm. The most difficult in terms of access and proximity of large blood vessels, lymph nodes, the cyst is removed in the face, at the bottom of the neck, in the groin and underarm zone.
  • The condition of atheroma. A cyst with signs of inflammation, a purulent atheroma is first exposed, opened, drained and treated. Her enucleation is more difficult, respectively, the price of atheroma removal will be high.
  • Age and health of the patient. Babies up to 5-7 years of age are shown with general anesthesia. Also, various concomitant pathologies can complicate the removal procedure.
  • Level, type, category of medical institution. State medical institutions, as a rule, conduct most procedures for free. It is possible to pay for some specific drugs or tests. Commercial medical centers a priori paid, the price of enucleation of the sebaceous gland cyst depends on the level of the institution, the complexity of the operation and qualification, the category of the doctor.

What is the cost of the entire procedure for the removal of atheroma in a private cosmetology, medical center? 

  1. Primary reception, consultation and examination of the patient.
  2. Ultrasound examination in the projection of atheroma.
  3. Cito-tests for RW, hepatitis, HIV, for sugar.
  4. A test for the tolerability of anesthetic.
  5. Deletion itself: 
    1. Anesthesia (usually local).
    2. Removal of the sebaceous gland cyst - the cost depends on the size (up to 1 cm, up to 2 cm, over 2, 5 cm).
    3. The choice of the method of removal - using a scalpel, laser or radio wave technology, electrocoagulation.
    4. Stitching.
  6. Postoperative services - dressings, it is possible to prescribe external medicines, remove stitches (if the procedure is performed with a scalpel).
  7. Postoperative counseling, which depends on the results of histology.

As a rule, atheroma is removed within 30-40 minutes, in a routine mode, which doctors aptly call "surgery of one day."

Feedback on removal of atheroma

Usually, the neutralization of the sebaceous cyst is well tolerated by patients. Feedback on the removal of atheroma can be different, from positive to presentation of claims. Discontent can be associated with such situations: 

  • Scar after the procedure. Indeed, in spite of the fact that the operation is not traumatic, in any case it is accompanied by dissection of the skin. Otherwise, the cyst can not be removed, even the advertised radio wave method assumes a small cut. Accordingly, the more atheroma, the more postoperative scar will be. As a rule, the suture material quickly resolves, within 1.5-2 months, it all depends on the location of the neoplasm, its size and condition (simple cyst or purulent). In this sense, the earlier the operative removal is performed, until the atheroma has increased, the less is the risk of getting a large, visible scar.
  • Inflammation of the postoperative suture. This is possible only if the patient does not comply with certain rules for grooming. It is necessary to visit a medical institution for dressings, if they are appointed, a control visit to the doctor is also necessary, even if the seam has resolved and does not hurt.
  • Recurrence of atheroma. This happens in case of incomplete removal of the cyst, when access to it is difficult due to suppuration.

Otherwise, feedback on the removal of atheroma is usually positive and can serve as a good argument in favor of prompt treatment to a specialist to solve the problem with neoplasm.

trusted-source[29], [30], [31]

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