OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Permanent Hole After Cyst Removal

7/9/2025, 3:01:05 AMMale25-34

I'm a 33-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. I have never smoked, nor do I use any drugs or alcohol, and I'm not on any medication. As described in the title, I’ve had a small cyst, roughly the size of a pea, located in the center of my lower back for as long as I can remember. At one point, my wife decided to try to extract it. After we applied some pressure, it became infected and painful for a few days. Once the swelling subsided, I was under the impression that the cyst was completely eliminated. It seems we may have ruptured it beneath the skin since there’s no longer any noticeable cyst. However, I’m left with a permanent indentation, which has raised concerns for me. Although the hole itself isn't causing any problems, my online searches about it have been unsettling, as I’ve encountered alarming information. Currently, I’m awaiting a referral to see a dermatologist. I wonder if there is anything they can do regarding this hole. What can I anticipate during the visit? Is surgical intervention necessary to address it? Can this issue be resolved?

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 3:01:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's natural to feel concerned about changes to your skin, especially after an incident like this. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about the indentation left after cyst removal.

What You Should Know

The indentation on your lower back may be the result of cyst removal or rupture. It can also be caused by tissue damage or scarring from inflammation. While it might not cause direct issues, it’s understandable to want to explore options for improvement in appearance or texture.

Anticipated Visit to the Dermatologist

During your visit, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Assessment: The dermatologist will examine the area and ask about your medical history and the events leading up to the current state of your skin.
  2. Diagnosis: They will determine whether the indentation is a scar or if there are other factors at play.
  3. Options: Depending on the assessment, they may suggest treatments such as:
    • Topical treatments: Creams or gels to improve skin appearance.
    • Injectables: Fillers that can help raise the indentation.
    • Surgical options: If significant skin alteration is needed, procedures like scar revision might be discussed.

Next Steps for You

While you wait for your appointment, consider the following actionable steps:

  1. Avoid irritating the area: Prevent any further injury by keeping the area clean and protected from the sun.
  2. Monitor changes: Keep an eye on any changes in the size or color of the indentation, noting anything unusual to discuss with your dermatologist.
  3. Self-care: Maintain good hydration, ensure a balanced diet, and consider over-the-counter creams formulated for scar treatment, but only after discussing it with your dermatologist.

Finally, it's important to remember that many skin concerns can be treated effectively, and your dermatologist will help guide you through the options available. If you have further questions or need reassurance, don't hesitate to seek out supportive resources or discuss your concerns with trusted friends or family.

Related Questions

Experiencing Bisoprolol Discontinuation Symptoms

Greetings, everyone. I’m a 44-year-old male residing in Germany. After taking a low dosage of 2.5mg bisoprolol for a period of three and a half weeks, I encountered some intolerable side effects that compelled me to stop the medication one week ago. Currently, I am feeling quite unwell. I experience significant fatigue, a general sense of weakness, and I often feel faint. Alongside these symptoms, I have been battling feelings of depression and anxiety, along with excessive sweating. Just walking a short distance—around 5 meters—leaves me completely drained and gasping for breath. Is this reaction typical? How long does it usually persist? I must mention that I tend to be quite sensitive to medications. I’m curious if anyone else has faced similar challenges. Thank you for your insights!

AgingLifestyle ChangesInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Experiencing Frequent Burping After Breathing

As a 19-year-old guy living in the Philippines, I've been dealing with a peculiar issue for the past three days: I find myself burping every time I inhale and exhale. It feels as though some kind of air pocket is forming in either my throat or my stomach—I'm not entirely sure which one it is. Each time I breathe out, a strong urge to burp arises, and I can’t help but do so, leading to burping roughly every 2 to 4 seconds. I’m seeking advice because my research points to a condition called aerophagia. However, I’m not convinced this is the case since I’m not intentionally swallowing air and am only breathing through my nose. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Semen Analysis Guidance

My partner experienced a miscarriage early in the pregnancy, roughly five months ago. Since then, we’ve been attempting to conceive again for the past two months, but so far, we haven’t seen any outcomes. My wife has already undergone testing, and her results came back normal. However, I have yet to have my semen analyzed. There is a home pickup service available for the semen test, but I’m uncertain about how to collect the sample securely, especially since I typically use a bed for self-stimulation. Could you please provide some advice on how to properly manage this process?

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Disparity in Leg Size: Possible Causes

For a considerable period, I have struggled with my weight, yet the noticeable difference in the size of my legs has only developed over the last six to seven years. Initially, my left leg was not larger than my right. On one occasion, I voiced my concern to a physician, but without a thorough examination, he dismissed it as typical. I am beginning to wonder if this could be a case of lymphedema, especially since I've also observed that my left arm appears significantly larger than my right. I would appreciate any insights on this matter.

Weight ManagementNutritionFamily Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Bumps on the Rear Side of My Penis

I've noticed several bumps resembling acne on the rear side of my penis. A few of these spots are slightly lighter than the surrounding skin, while others feature white tips. Fortunately, these bumps do not cause any pain or irritation. Regrettably, I can't share an image due to being underage, which would violate the subreddit’s guidelines.

WellnessLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago