A ganglion cyst is a mass that forms on top of a joint or over a tendon. Filled with a thick, sticky liquid, these cysts may change in size, and maintain their location even when the hand is moved. They most often form on the top or back of the wrist, at the base of the fingers, or just above the top joint of a finger.

Ganglion cysts are often very painful and require patients to take medication to manage their discomfort. Very large cysts might also make it difficult to perform certain hand movements. Ganglion cyst surgery can eliminate these conditions so that people no longer have to rely on medication or limit the use of their hands.

Ganglion cysts often go away on their own. When they do not go away, or become so painful that it is difficult to bend or flex your wrist and fingers, ganglion cysts surgery could be needed.

Do not attempt to remove the cyst on your own, as this makes it more likely you will suffer an infection. Stop smoking or taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, in the days leading up to your appointment.

Do not wear any hand cream or lotion when you come in for surgery. Prior to receiving anesthesia, your hands will be cleansed with an antiseptic cleanser to ensure they are sanitized and that dirt and oil are thoroughly removed. You will receive a light numbing agent, either in the way of a topical cream or a local anesthesia delivered by syringe just underneath the skin. An excision will require a tiny incision around the cyst; however no incision is needed if you are undergoing an aspiration.

This will depend on the size of your cyst and the type of procedure you are having. An aspiration takes less time than an excision, but both can generally be performed in under an hour.

Once your anesthesia wears off, you will notice better movement in your hands and fingers right away.

Visible scars are very possible after hand surgery; however, a scar revision is typically very successful when it comes to reducing or eliminating those scars.

You will notice your results almost immediately.

An excision will likely provide you with longer-lasting results, as it removes the root of the cyst. Even so, it is still possible for a cyst to return after undergoing an excision. It is not possible to predict when or if a cyst might return after either an aspiration or excision.

If your hands are also thin and wrinkled, you may want to consider a fat transfer and injection procedure to help fill them out.

Because you may have different needs than any other patient, we will not be able to discuss the exact cost with you until after your consultation. Cash, personal checks, and credit cards are always accepted for any of the procedures we offer, and many of our patients will also qualify for low-interest financing.