Surgical Dermatology
Cyst & Lipoma Removal in Tampa
Epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts, lipomas, and other benign skin lumps are extremely common — and very effectively treated with a minor in-office surgical procedure. Dr. Sergay performs precise excisions designed to remove the lesion completely while minimizing scarring.
Types of Lesions
Cysts, Lipomas & Similar Lumps
Dr. Sergay treats a range of benign skin lumps. Understanding the type helps determine the best removal approach.
Epidermoid Cyst
Also called sebaceous cyst (misnomer)
- Firm, dome-shaped bump under the skin
- Often has a visible central punctum (blackhead-like opening)
- Filled with keratin — a soft, white cheesy material
- Most common on face, neck, back, and chest
- Can become inflamed or infected if ruptured
Pilar Cyst
Trichilemmal cyst — arises from hair follicle
- Smooth, mobile lump most common on the scalp
- Often runs in families (autosomal dominant)
- Filled with densely packed keratin — firmer than epidermoid
- Usually asymptomatic but can enlarge over time
- Rarely, can become malignant (proliferating pilar cyst)
Lipoma
Benign fat tumor
- Soft, rubbery, mobile lump beneath the skin
- Most common on back, shoulders, arms, and trunk
- Slow-growing and usually painless
- Not a cyst — composed of fat lobules, not a sac
- Angiolipomas (a subtype) can be tender to pressure
Digital Mucous / Myxoid Cyst
Near finger joints or nails
- Translucent, fluid-filled bump near a finger joint or nail fold
- Associated with underlying joint degeneration (osteoarthritis)
- Can cause nail deformity if near the nail matrix
- Treatment options include aspiration, steroid injection, or excision
The Procedure
What to Expect
Cyst and lipoma removal is a straightforward minor surgical procedure — typically completed in under 30 minutes with minimal downtime.
Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Sergay examines the lesion to confirm diagnosis, assess size and location, and rule out any unusual features. Ultrasound or other imaging is rarely needed for typical cysts and lipomas.
Local Anesthesia
The area is numbed with a lidocaine injection. You may feel a brief sting, then nothing. The removal is completely painless.
Excision
For cysts: a small incision is made and the cyst sac is removed intact — getting the whole sac out is key to preventing recurrence. For lipomas: the fat lobule is shelled out through a carefully placed incision.
Closure
The wound is closed with sutures. Placement and technique are chosen to minimize visible scarring. Most wounds heal well with minimal residual mark.
Pathology
The specimen is sent to a dermatopathologist for confirmation. While cysts and lipomas are almost always benign, pathological confirmation is the standard of care.
Suture Removal
Sutures are removed at a follow-up visit — typically 7–14 days depending on the location. Wound care instructions are provided at the time of surgery.
< 30 min
Typical procedure time
Same Day
Often treated at first visit
Local Only
No general anesthesia needed
Path Report
Every specimen analyzed
Your Dermatologist
About Amanda Sergay, MD
Board Certified
American Board of Dermatology
Specialties
Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Location
South Tampa, FL
Board-Certified Dermatologist · Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Amanda Sergay, MD is a board-certified dermatologist committed to excellence in comprehensive dermatological care. Originally from the Tampa area, Dr. Sergay received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
She completed her residency in dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year. Her practice encompasses medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, treating both adults and children.
Dr. Sergay has been named to Tampa Magazine's Top Docs Edition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and was twice named to New York Magazine's New York Rising Star list.
Awards & Recognition
Tampa Magazine Top Docs
2019202020212022202320242025Super Doctors
Emory University
Undergraduate
Univ. of Miami Miller
Medical Degree
Mount Sinai NYC
Residency · Chief Resident
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Real Google reviews from patients who trust Dr. Sergay with their skin health.
“Dr. Sergay was just fabulous. Thorough for our skincare check and so informative. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get an established, yearly dermatologist for skin cancer checks.”
Iris Moore
9 reviews
“Now this is a medical practice done right! I love how they don't play the insurance game and are a privately owned practice. This allows them to provide top notch care and a patient experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Sergay is extremely thorough during her exams and so kind. Trust her with your care!”
Victoria Hansen
Local Guide · 123 reviews · 144 photos
“Dr. Sergay is awesome! I am a new patient and very much appreciated her approach, thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Highly recommend!”
Chad Panton
Local Guide · 36 reviews · 2 photos
“Warm welcome to a nice office. Seen quickly by very proficient and kind Dr Sergay and staff. Great follow up with care plan and prescriptions. Highly recommended.”
Frank King
5 reviews
“Dr Sergay is wonderful. She's deeply knowledgeable about her field, and also has a wonderful, attentive manner. She and her staff are so caring and responsive. I highly recommend.”
Dana Whiting
3 reviews
“First time appointment — Dr. Sergay was amazing. Very easy to talk to and she told me the choices I had and got the procedure done. Highly recommend.”
Darren Finebloom
Local Guide · 21 reviews
Common Questions
Cyst Removal FAQ
Schedule Removal
Ready to Get That Lump Taken Care Of?
Don't put it off. Cysts and lipomas are easily treated in a single, quick office visit. Dr. Sergay can often evaluate and remove at the same appointment.