Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Rectangular Lid Excision Versus Elliptical Excision for the Treatment of Epidermal Cysts

BACKGROUND: Elliptical excision (EE) has been the standard surgical technique for the removal of epidermal cysts. However, it produces to create a long, linear wound causing cosmetic concerns. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the cosmetic outcomes and postoperative complications of rectangular lid excision (LE) compared with EE in epidermal cyst removals. METHODS: Medical records of patients who received surgical excision for epidermal cysts were retrospectively reviewed. Three dermatologists evaluated the postoperative photographs using 4-scale investigator's global assessment. RESULTS: Of the 123 lesions, EE and LE were performed in 58 and 65 lesions, respectively. Although the mean diameter of cysts was significantly greater in the LE group than in the EE group, the number of postoperative complications was not different between the 2 groups. A photographic assessment was performed in 11 lesions in the LE group and 11 lesions in the EE group. Although the mean diameter of cysts was greater in the LE group than in the EE group, the cosmetic outcome was significantly better in the LE group. CONCLUSION: The LE technique was shown to have a superior cosmetic outcome than the EE technique. Hence, it is a viable alternative for the removal of epidermal cysts.