Is getting a cyst drained painful? What to expect during and after the procedure

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a cyst removal procedure is typically not painful thanks to local anesthesia. For those facing an inflamed or infected cyst, understanding the process is key. The question, is getting a cyst drained painful?, is a common concern for patients seeking relief.

Quick Summary

The cyst drainage procedure itself is not painful due to the use of a local anesthetic that numbs the area completely. While you may feel a slight, temporary sting from the injection, most people only experience pressure during the drainage. Mild soreness afterward is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Key Points

Local Anesthesia Used: During a cyst drainage, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, making the procedure itself painless.
Brief Injection Sting: The most painful part for many patients is the initial pinch from the numbing injection, which is very brief.
Pressure, Not Pain: You may feel some pressure during the drainage, but sharp pain is not expected once the anesthetic has worked.
Mild Post-Procedure Soreness: After the numbing agent wears off, mild soreness is common for a couple of days and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Infected Cysts Feel Better: For an infected cyst, drainage often provides immediate and significant relief from the existing throbbing pain and pressure.
Don't Drain at Home: Attempting to drain a cyst at home is painful and carries a high risk of infection and scarring.

The Cyst Drainage Procedure: An Overview

When a healthcare provider performs a cyst drainage, the primary goal is to alleviate the pain and pressure caused by an inflamed or infected cyst. The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the patient, primarily through the use of a local anesthetic. This procedure is an in-office appointment that can often be completed in as little as 20 minutes.

The Numbing Process: A Brief Discomfort

The initial step in any cyst drainage is to numb the area. After cleaning the skin, a provider will inject a local anesthetic, such as Lidocaine, around the cyst. This is typically the most uncomfortable part of the entire process. Patients describe this as a quick pinch or a brief stinging sensation, similar to a shot at the dentist's office. The numbing medication works quickly to block nerve signals in the area, ensuring that you will not feel sharp pain during the rest of the procedure.

Sensation During the Drainage Itself

Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the physician will make a small incision in the skin over the cyst. For most patients, this part is completely painless. You may feel a sensation of pressure or movement as the doctor works to empty the cyst, but it should not be a sharp or painful feeling. For a simple drainage (incision and drainage), the incision may be left open to continue draining, or a wick may be inserted to keep it open. In more complex cases, or if the entire cyst is removed, stitches may be necessary.

Post-Procedure Pain and Recovery

After the local anesthesia wears off, it is normal to experience some discomfort. The intensity and duration of this pain can vary based on the size and location of the cyst and whether it was inflamed or infected prior to the procedure. Here's what to expect:

Immediate Aftermath: Mild soreness and tenderness at the incision site are common and can last for a day or two. The pain is typically much less than the pain caused by the cyst before drainage.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are usually sufficient to manage this mild discomfort. Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions on how to care for the wound and manage any pain.
Warm Compresses: For some types of cysts, like a perirectal abscess, warm soaks (sitz baths) may be recommended to aid healing and manage pain. Warm compresses are also a useful home remedy to soothe inflammation.

Factors Influencing Pain Levels

While cyst drainage is generally not painful, several factors can influence your overall experience:

Inflammation and Infection: If the cyst was infected, it would likely have been more painful before the procedure. Draining the infection often brings immediate and significant relief from the pressure and throbbing pain. An infected cyst might also be more tender in the recovery period.
Cyst Type and Location: The location of the cyst can affect sensitivity during recovery. For example, a pilonidal cyst near the tailbone may cause discomfort with sitting for a longer period. Different types of cysts, like epidermal or sebaceous, also have unique characteristics.
The Skill of the Practitioner: Choosing an experienced dermatologist or general practitioner can minimize discomfort during the procedure and ensure proper technique, which aids in a smoother recovery.

Comparison: Professional vs. Home Drainage


Aspect	Professional Cyst Drainage	Home or Spontaneous Rupture
Pain	Minimal to no pain during procedure due to anesthesia; manageable post-op soreness.	Can be extremely painful, as the cyst is often inflamed and no anesthetic is used.
Infection Risk	Very low; performed in a sterile environment with proper tools and care.	High risk of introducing bacteria, leading to a more severe infection.
Healing	Faster and cleaner healing with proper wound care guidance.	Can lead to scarring and delayed, complicated healing.
Recurrence	Lower risk, especially if the sac is completely removed; can be high with simple incision and drainage if the sac isn't removed.	High risk, as the sac is almost always left behind, causing the cyst to likely return.
Cosmetic Outcome	Minimal scarring from a controlled, small incision.	Increased risk of unsightly scarring and skin damage.

When is Cyst Drainage Necessary?

Cyst drainage is not always required. Many cysts are benign and can be left alone, especially if they are small and not causing any issues. However, a doctor may recommend drainage or removal for the following reasons:

Infection: Signs of infection include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth, and pus. Drainage provides immediate relief in these cases.
Pain and Discomfort: If a cyst is causing significant pain due to its size or location, drainage can resolve the symptoms.
Interference with Daily Life: Large cysts can interfere with movement or rub against clothing, causing irritation.
Cosmetic Concerns: Some individuals opt for removal for cosmetic reasons, especially if the cyst is in a prominent location.

Conclusion: A Quick and Manageable Process

Ultimately, the pain associated with getting a cyst drained is brief, manageable, and largely mitigated by local anesthesia. The initial sting of the numbing shot is temporary, and any post-procedure soreness is typically mild and short-lived. In fact, for an infected cyst, the drainage provides a welcome relief from the constant, throbbing pain. The key is to avoid self-treating and to trust the process to a medical professional. For more detailed information on cyst procedures and recovery, consult a reputable health source like Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mild soreness and discomfort typically last for 1 to 2 days after the procedure. For more extensive or complex cases, it may take a little longer, but the most intense pain is often gone within the first 24 hours.

After the brief pinch of the numbing injection, you will feel a sensation of pressure and movement as the doctor drains the cyst, but you should not feel any sharp pain. The area will feel numb throughout the procedure.

An infected cyst is often more tender before the procedure due to inflammation, but the drainage itself is made painless with a local anesthetic. Draining an infected cyst actually provides immediate relief from the pressure and pain it was causing.

You should never attempt to drain a cyst at home. A doctor can perform the procedure in a sterile environment with anesthesia to minimize pain and risk of infection. Attempting it yourself is very painful and increases the risk of serious complications like infection and scarring.

While some redness and swelling are normal, you should contact your doctor if you notice increased redness, swelling, significant or increasing pain not relieved by medication, fever, or pus or foul-smelling fluid draining from the wound.

Simple drainage, where only the contents are removed and not the cyst wall, has a higher risk of recurrence. The cyst may eventually refill and require further treatment. Complete surgical excision of the sac is the most effective method for permanent removal.

Yes, mild soreness after a cyst drainage can typically be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions and the dosage on the packaging.