Hello, this is Dr. Kohrita from Kohrita Hiro Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery Clinic,
located in Shin-Osaka, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City.
In this case, we present a patient who underwent surgical removal of a facial atheroma (epidermoid cyst) using the punch technique.
One year after surgery, the scar was barely visible.
👨⚕️ About the Patient
The patient was a man in his 50s.
He visited our clinic after being referred by the president of his company,
who had previously undergone facial atheroma surgery at our clinic and recommended it highly.
⚖️ About the Surgery
The surgery was performed using a 5mm punch excision method (punch technique).
The entire cyst wall (capsule) was completely removed, reducing the risk of recurrence to a minimum.
Postoperative wound management was done using
the Natsui-Style Moist Wound Healing Method.
The postoperative protocol includes:
・No disinfection was performed.
・No antibiotics were prescribed.
・Showering and bathing were allowed from the day after surgery.
⏰ One Year Later: Follow-Up Visit
One year after the initial surgery, the patient returned for removal of another atheroma on a different site.
At that time, we had the opportunity to photograph the site of the original surgery.
The patient commented:
“I can barely see the scar. I’m glad I came the first time, so I decided to come again.”
We were very pleased to hear such positive feedback.
🔄 Summary
Even facial atheromas can be treated with minimal scarring when proper surgical methods and wound care are applied.
The combination of the punch technique and
Natsui-Style Moist Wound Healing is a hallmark of our clinic.
Before surgery: a noticeable bulge caused by an epidermoid cyst is visible in the center of the face (50s male).
During surgery: the cyst capsule is being carefully removed to prevent recurrence (facial cyst, male in his 50s).
Immediate-postop: After punch excision of the atheroma: the wound is small, clean, and shows almost no bleeding.
The cyst capsule has been cleanly excised during the surgery.
Post-op day 1:After punch excision of facial atheroma; nearly blood-free and stable appearance.
Post-op day 7: the wound is healing well with no swelling or discomfort (facial cyst, male in his 50s).
Day 15 after surgery: the patient reports “I’ve almost forgotten I had surgery.” No symptoms remain (facial cyst, 50s male).
Day 21 after surgery: the wound is fully healed, with no redness, pain, or noticeable scarring (50s male).
One year after surgery: the scar is barely visible, and the result is remarkably natural (50s male).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Atheromas
Q1. What is an atheroma (epidermoid cyst)? An atheroma is a benign, sac-like tumor under the skin that contains sebum and keratin. It rarely disappears on its own and may become inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, or pus.
Q2. Can atheromas heal on their own? No. They may shrink temporarily, but the capsule remains and often causes recurrence. Surgical removal is required to prevent recurrence.
Q3. Can surgery be done during inflammation? Yes. While some clinics may advise waiting, we can perform the punch excision even during inflammation. In fact, early surgery often helps reduce pain and swelling faster.
Q4. Are antibiotics effective for inflamed atheromas? No. Inflammation occurs inside the capsule, which lacks blood flow, so antibiotics are ineffective. Complete surgical removal of the capsule is necessary.
Q5. What surgical method is used? We use the “punch technique” to remove the entire capsule through a small incision, minimizing scarring and pain.
Q6. What is the postoperative care like? We use the Natsui-Style Moist Wound Healing Method, which involves:
- No disinfection
- No gauze changes needed
- Shower and bath from the next day
- No antibiotics usually required
Q7. Is recurrence possible after surgery? If the capsule is fully removed, recurrence is extremely rare. We prioritize complete capsule removal during surgery.
Q8. How painful is it after surgery? Most patients report minimal pain, even in inflamed cases. Many say, “It hurt much less than I expected.”
Q9. Is it better to operate while the atheroma is still small? Yes. Smaller cysts are easier to remove, with less scarring and faster recovery. Delaying surgery may increase pain and complications.
Q10. Is the surgery covered by health insurance? Yes. Atheroma surgery is covered under national health insurance. The out-of-pocket cost may vary depending on the size and location of the cyst.
🔗 [View All Atheroma Blog Posts]
This post was originally written in Japanese and translated into English using a translation tool.
We appreciate your understanding if some phrases are not perfectly natural.
