Dr. Lee’s Techniques for Giant Cyst Pops
Dr. Sandra Lee’s videos, such as her removal of a 35-year-old pilar cyst (“Big Bertha”) or a melon-sized cyst, showcase giant cyst pops with dramatic, high-pressure release of keratin or sebum. Her method involves:
- Minimal Incision Excision: Small incisions (1–3 cm) to access the cyst, releasing pressurized contents for a “satisfying” pop.
- Complete Sac Removal: Dissecting the entire sac to prevent recurrence, using forceps or curettes.
- Fine Suturing: Closing with small sutures for minimal scarring, critical for preteens in areas like the ear.
- Sterility and Precision: Ensuring no infection or trauma, as seen in her ear blackhead extractions for deep plugs.
These techniques are adaptable for preteens, prioritizing cosmetic outcomes and comfort under local anesthesia.
Sample Skincare Routine for a Preteen with Acne and a Giant Cyst
- Morning:
- Cleanse face and outer ear with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (use a cotton ball for ear to avoid irritation).
- Apply benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (e.g., PanOxyl) to acne/blackhead-prone areas (every other day, avoid ear canal or cyst excision site).
- Apply niacinamide 5% (e.g., The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, diluted for sensitivity) to fade PIH from acne.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer with SPF (e.g., La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60) to protect scars.
- Evening:
- Cleanse with the same cleanser.
- Apply adapalene 0.1% gel (e.g., Differin, prescription) to acne-prone areas (2–3 times weekly, avoid excision site).
- Apply azelaic acid 10% (e.g., The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension, if approved) to PIH areas.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer (e.g., Cetaphil Oil-Free Moisturizer).
- Weekly: Use a salicylic acid cleanser (e.g., Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash) once weekly for exfoliation, if approved.
- For Scars: Apply silicone gel (e.g., Mederma Advanced Scar Gel) nightly to healed hypertrophic scars or excision sites, if prescribed.
- Note: Patch-test products, avoid inner ear canal, clean earbuds regularly, and follow dermatologist guidance.
Important Notes
- Giant Cysts vs. Acne Cysts: Giant cysts (sebaceous, epidermoid, pilar) require excision, while acne cysts respond to injections/topicals. A dermatologist must differentiate them, especially in the ear.
- Preteen Sensitivity: Use low-strength topicals and professional excision to avoid irritation or scarring. Dr. Lee’s methods ensure minimal trauma.
- Scarring Risk: Excision and acne management must prioritize minimal scarring in visible areas like the ear or face.
- Recovery: Cyst excision heals in 1–2 weeks; blackhead extractions in 1–2 days; acne/scar treatments take 6–12 months for results.
- Emotional Impact: The “satisfying” cyst pop can be framed positively for preteens (e.g., “The bump comes out cleanly to help your skin”). Counseling may help with acne-related distress.
- Parent
