Procedures

Ganglion Removal

Ganglion Removal

A ganglion cyst is a non-malignant growth that can appear around a joint on the wrist, hand or fingers. The fluid-filled sac is not usually a serious medical problem, but it can be unsightly. If your cyst enlarges, it can also press on nerves, causing significant pain and possibly prohibiting you from performing certain tasks. The more you use the affected joint, the larger the cyst can grow.

Ganglion cysts that become very large and/or painful, or prohibit you from performing some activities may require surgical intervention. If you are a candidate for surgical ganglion cyst removal, your best choice is a plastic surgeon who also has extensive experience in hand procedures, like Dr Teston. This ensures that not only will your problem be effectively treated, but you will enjoy the best possible cosmetic result as well. This may be particularly true with large cysts, where removal can leave disfiguring scarring behind.

Before Your Surgery

Patients with a ganglion cyst may try other treatment options before turning to surgery. Those treatments might include:

  • Splinting – In some cases, a ganglion cyst may resolve on its own. Your physician may recommend you wear a splint, immobilising the affected joint to encourage this resolution. When the joint is less mobile, the cyst is less likely to grow and may even reduce in size.
  • Aspiration – Ganglion cysts are filled with a clear fluid. Aspiration utilises a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst to eliminate the growth. While aspiration can offer immediate improvement, the recurrence rate after this treatment is relatively high.
  • Surgical Removal – Surgery involves full removal of the cyst, including the stalk, to minimise the likelihood of recurrence. Once the cyst is removed, the skin will be sutured back together to create a smoother surface. When a plastic surgeon performs your procedure, great care will be taken to restore the cosmetic appearance of the hand as well.

Surgery is recommended for patients that have very large ganglion cysts or growths that cause pain or interfere with function. Dr Teston will examine your ganglion cyst in her office to determine whether surgery is the right choice for you.

During Your Procedure

Dr Teston will perform your ganglion cyst removal in an accredited medical facility uusing local anaesthesia combined with sedation or general anaesthesia. An incision is made to completely cut out the cyst, including the sac, to reduce the risk of the cyst re-forming in the future. She will carefully suture the incision closed once the cyst is removed, to minimise visible scarring after your procedure.

You will likely return home the same day as your procedure, as Dr Teston usually performs ganglion cyst removal as a day surgery. If you had general anaesthesia, you would need to have someone with you for the first 24 hours to ensure your recovery begins safely and comfortably. You will be encouraged to keep the treated hand elevated above heart level as much as possible to minimise swelling around your incision. Your hand will also be splinted to keep it as immobile as possible while healing takes place.

After Your Surgery

Recovery time after ganglion cyst removal may vary, based on the extent of your procedure. Dr Teston will monitor your recovery process to ensure your incisions heal well, so that scarring will be minimal. After your recovery is complete, your results may be permanent. However, even after surgical intervention, there is always a small chance the cyst could reform over time.

A ganglion cyst may cause physical pain, functional limitations, and cosmetic embarrassment. To find out if surgical removal is the right choice for you, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Ganglion Removal was reviewed by Dr. Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Procedures Offered


With more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr Teston is qualified to provide a broad range of plastic surgery procedures. Some of the choices available to her patients include:

Breast Enhancement

No matter what cosmetic goals you might have for your breasts, Dr Teston can help you achieve them. One of her specialties is correcting asymmetries between the breasts that cause a woman to feel self-conscious about her body. Other breast procedures offered by Dr Teston include:

Facial Improvements

Whether you are concerned about the effects of ageing or looking to correct an imperfection that has been nagging you throughout your adult life, Dr Teston offers procedures to enhance and refresh your appearance. She can customise any of the following to your specifications and facial proportions:

  • Facelift to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
  • Eyelid surgery to correct drooping and rejuvenate the area around the eyes
  • Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping to create symmetry, remove imperfections, or restore the nose after injury
  • Otoplasty (or ear surgery) to correct ears that stick out or are disproportionately large
Body Contouring

Body contouring is an effective way to put the final touches on your body shape when you can’t get there with diet and exercise alone. Body contouring is usually recommended for patients that have achieved a healthy, stable weight and may include the following:

  • Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) to tighten and flatten the midsection
  • Lift procedures to shape and firm the upper arms and thighs
  • Liposuction to remove isolated, stubborn areas of fat from nearly anywhere on the body
  • Labiaplasty to correct discomfort due to either developmental or hormonal enlargements or scarring
Skin Treatments

As the largest organ of the body, the skin deserves special attention. When you want to get rid of unsightly moles, fatty lumps, or other concerns, Dr Teston is prepared to eliminate the blemish and leave the best cosmetic results behind. Some of the concerns Dr Teston can treat include:

Hand Restoration

Your hands are one of the most functional and visible parts of the body, and when they are injured or affected by a debilitating condition, the effects on your life can be dramatic. Dr Teston offers hand surgery to treat many of these concerns, with the following being some of the hand conditions she treats:

When you are in search of a plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Teston offers a valuable female perspective, extensive training and experience, and a commitment to the highest level of patient care. To learn more about our practice, contact our office today at (02) 9708 3511.