Will Hair Grow Back After Pilar Cyst Removal?

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Yes, hair typically grows back after pilar cyst removal. While some hair roots may be lost during the procedure, regrowth occurs in most cases. Any resulting scars are usually covered by surrounding hair as it regrows.

Dr Sharon Crichlow
May 23, 2025
Reading Time: 5 Mins

Discovering a lump on your scalp can be worrying. If you’ve been diagnosed with a pilar cyst, you’re likely concerned about how its removal might affect your hair. This common concern keeps many people from seeking treatment, even when these cysts become uncomfortable or unsightly.

Rest assured, most patients see successful hair regrowth after treatment. Let’s explore what happens during pilar cyst removal and what you can expect during recovery.

Key Takeaways

Hair typically regrows after pilar cyst removal, with lost follicles usually being minimal enough that surrounding hair covers any small scars.
Initial hair regrowth begins within 2-4 weeks, with full regrowth typically completing within 4-12 months post-procedure.
Surgical technique and proper aftercare are crucial for optimal hair regrowth, with minimally invasive approaches producing better results.

The Pilar Cyst Removal Procedure

Pilar cysts (also called trichilemmal cysts) are harmless, slow-growing lumps that typically develop on the scalp. These benign growths form from hair follicles when the outer root sheath becomes blocked with keratin, a protein that makes up hair and skin.

They affect approximately 10% of the population, with women more commonly affected than men. While usually painless, these cysts can sometimes become infected or grow large enough to cause discomfort.

Our professional cyst removal treatment, at Aventus Clinic, employs several techniques to remove these cysts, depending on their size and location.

The most common procedure involves:

Application of a local anaesthetic to numb the area
Making a small incision over the cyst
Careful removal of the entire cyst, including its wall
Closing the incision with sutures

During surgery, our specialists take great care to protect surrounding hair follicles. We use precise surgical techniques to minimise damage to healthy tissue.

Immediately after the procedure, the area will be bandaged. You might notice a small patch where hair has been shaved for the surgery. This is temporary, and the hair will regrow as healing progresses.

Recovery Timeline

Knowing what to expect during recovery helps prepare you for the healing journey ahead. Here’s a clear visual breakdown of what to expect after pilar cyst removal:

First 24-48 Hours

The treatment area may feel tender and appear slightly swollen. Keep the area clean and dry, following all aftercare instructions provided by your specialist.

First Week

During this period, some mild discomfort is normal. The sutures will remain in place, and you should avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours or as advised by your doctor.

Some patients notice minor scabbing around the incision site. This is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.

Weeks 2-4

Sutures are typically removed after 7-14 days. The incision site continues to heal, and you may notice the scar beginning to fade.

This is also when you might observe the first signs of hair regrowth in the treated area. Small, fine hairs may start to emerge around the healing incision.

Months 1-3

The scar continues to mature and often becomes less noticeable. Hair regrowth becomes more evident during this period, with new hair gradually blending with existing hair.

Hair Regrowth Process

Hair regrowth after pilar cyst removal follows a predictable pattern for most patients. Research and clinical observations suggest that hair typically grows back within a few months of the procedure.

Several factors influence how quickly and completely your hair will regrow:

Factor	Impact on Hair Regrowth
Surgical technique	Minimal scarring approaches favour better regrowth
Size of the cyst	Larger cysts may require more extensive removal
Location on scalp	Some areas heal with less visible scarring
Individual healing	Personal healing responses vary
Aftercare	Proper wound care supports optimal healing

The hair growth cycle continues even after surgery. New hairs emerge from intact follicles, gradually filling in the affected area. While some hair roots directly in the incision path may be lost, surrounding follicles remain functional.

Some patients may experience “shock loss” temporarily after surgery. This is when stress from the procedure causes nearby hairs to enter their resting phase sooner than normal. These hairs typically regrow within 3-6 months.

Full regrowth can be expected within 4-12 months for most patients. The new hair will match the surrounding hair in thickness and texture.

In rare cases where significant scarring occurs, hair regrowth in that specific area may be limited. However, surrounding hair usually grows long enough to cover any small scars or patches.

Certain practices can support healthy hair regrowth:

Follow all post-operative care instructions carefully
Avoid harsh hair treatments during healing
Maintain a balanced diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients
Be gentle when washing and styling hair around the healing site

Our specialists at Aventus Clinic can provide personalised advice on managing your recovery for optimal hair regrowth.

Conclusion

Pilar cyst removal is a routine procedure with excellent outcomes. In the vast majority of cases, hair grows back normally after the procedure, with minimal long-term evidence that surgery was ever performed.

The key to successful regrowth lies in skilled surgical technique and proper aftercare. While some temporary changes to your hair are normal during healing, patience will reveal a return to your natural appearance.

At Aventus Clinic, we understand how personal hair concerns can be. We prioritise techniques that preserve your natural hair growth while effectively removing troublesome cysts.

If you’re concerned about a scalp cyst or considering removal, our team is here to help. Book your free online assessment today and start your journey toward professional care with results that speak for themselves.