Hand surgery clinic · Cardiff & Penarth

Cyst removal surgery.

Mucous and dermoid cysts taken out properly, so they are far less likely to come back. Removed under local anaesthetic by Consultant Hand Surgeon Mr Angus Maclean FRCS — not delegated, not rushed, not on a 12-month NHS waiting list.

From £600 · Consultation £150 · Local anaesthetic · Follow-up FREE
Local anaesthetic Day-case surgery Home the same day Bupa · AXA · WPA · Vitality
Mr Angus Maclean, Consultant Hand Surgeon, performing hand surgery at Acorn Private Clinic Penarth
FRCSConsultant Hand Surgeon
20-30 minTypical procedure time
Same dayHome after surgery
4.9From 376 Google reviews
Cyst removal

Got a lump you want gone?

We remove mucous (mucoid) cysts, which form near the end joint of a finger and are linked to wear-and-tear arthritis, and dermoid cysts, which sit under the skin. If any of these sound familiar, book an assessment.

  • A firm or fluid-filled lump you can see or feel
  • A lump near the end joint of a finger, sometimes with thin, shiny skin over it
  • A groove or ridge in the nail (from a mucous cyst near the nail bed)
  • A lump that keeps coming back after being drained before
  • Aching, catching or pressure when you use the hand
  • You simply want it gone, or want to know what it is

Draining a cyst rarely fixes it for good — it usually returns because the cause is still there. Removing it with its stalk or root gives a far better chance of it staying gone.

Transparent pricing

All-inclusive fixed pricing.

Every price includes the consultant surgeon, sterile equipment, theatre, anaesthetic, sutures, dressings and follow-up where applicable. No hidden fees.

Step 1

Consultation

£150

Clinical assessment with Mr Maclean. Confirms what the lump is and quotes your all-inclusive removal price.

Book consultation
Finger cyst

Mucous (mucoid) cyst

From £600

A cyst near the end joint of a finger, often linked to arthritis. Removed with its stalk under local anaesthetic.

Book consultation
Skin cyst

Dermoid cyst

From £600

A benign cyst that sits under the skin. Removed complete with its lining under local anaesthetic.

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Always included

Follow-up appointments

FREE

Suture removal at 10-14 days and review with Mr Maclean. No additional charges.

Book consultation

Starting prices — the final all-inclusive fee depends on the size, site and complexity of the cyst, and is confirmed at your consultation. Insurance accepted: Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga, Allianz. We'll help with your pre-authorisation paperwork.

Draining vs removing

Why removal beats just draining.

At your consultation, Mr Maclean will explain the options. A quick drain is tempting, but for a lasting result the cyst usually needs removing.

A

Aspiration (drainage)

The cyst can be drained with a needle, which flattens it quickly. It is simple, but the cyst very often comes back within weeks or months because the underlying cause is still there.

Meet your surgeon

Performed by a Consultant Hand Surgeon.

Not delegated. Not rushed. The surgeon who consults with you is the surgeon who operates on you.

Mr Angus Maclean, Consultant Hand Surgeon at Acorn Private Clinic Penarth
Consultant Hand Surgeon

Mr Angus Maclean

BM, MRCS, FRCS (Tr & Orth), MD, Eur Hand Dip

Mr Maclean is a Consultant Hand Surgeon specialising in ganglion and cyst excision, carpal tunnel release, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, tendon repair and complex hand surgery. He holds the European Hand Diploma in addition to his UK FRCS, and has performed thousands of hand procedures across NHS and private practice.

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How it works

From booking to recovery.

Most patients move from initial enquiry to a healed hand in under 6 weeks.

1

Self-refer online

No GP referral needed. Book your consultation directly. We accept patients from across South Wales.

2

Consultation (£150)

Mr Maclean examines the lump, confirms what it is, and quotes your fixed removal price. Most patients seen within 1 week.

3

Surgery (from £600)

Local anaesthetic day case, you stay awake. The cyst is removed with its root, in our theatre in Penarth.

4

Same-day home

You go home the same day with the wound dressed. We provide simple aftercare and our team is contactable.

5

Sutures out at 10-14 days

Quick follow-up to remove sutures and check healing. Histology arranged if your surgeon advises it.

6

Final follow-up (FREE)

Mr Maclean checks the wound has healed well and confirms the outcome. Most cysts are gone for good.

Recovery timeline

What to expect week by week.

Realistic recovery expectations based on Mr Maclean's experience across thousands of hand procedures.

Day 1

Surgery day

20-30 minute procedure. Home in 1-2 hours with the hand dressed and elevated. Mild soreness eased with paracetamol.

Days 2-3

Back to desk work

Most office-based patients return to work. Keep the dressing clean and dry.

Week 1

Driving & daily use

Most patients driving and using the hand for light tasks.

Days 10-14

Sutures removed

Quick clinic visit. Scar starting to fade. Any histology results discussed.

Weeks 2-4

Heavier & manual use

Manual workers typically resume full duties. Scar softening.

6 weeks

Fully recovered

Scar mostly invisible. Hand back to normal, with the cyst far less likely to return.

Why patients choose Acorn

The Acorn difference.

Award-winning private healthcare in South Wales. As seen on BBC.

Fast access

Most patients seen for consultation within 1 week. Surgery within 2-4 weeks. Compare to NHS waiting times of 9-12+ months.

Consultant-led

Surgery performed by Mr Angus Maclean FRCS, not a trainee. The same surgeon you meet at consultation operates on you.

All-inclusive pricing

From £600 covers everything: surgeon, theatre, anaesthetic, sutures, dressings, follow-up. No surprise extras.

HIW regulated

Acorn Private Clinic is regulated by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Mr Maclean is registered with the General Medical Council.

Award-winning

Vale of Glamorgan Business of the Year — Professional Services. 4.9★ from 376 Google reviews. Featured by BBC.

Insurance accepted

Bupa, AXA, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna and more. We help with pre-authorisation paperwork at no extra cost.

Patient experiences

What patients say.

Verified reviews from real Acorn Private Clinic patients.

★★★★★
I have experienced Acorn Private Clinic that maintains the highest standards of medical care based on their expert surgeons and excellent resources. You can expect everything a patient needs to get back to their best health.
Leigh MedlicottPatient review
★★★★★
Their nurses, clinicians, and support teams deliver exceptional patient care. They were with me every step of the way, tailoring the care around me and giving the peace of mind.
Sian SmithPatient review
★★★★★
From a fantastic easy online booking service to the procedure itself — everyone was friendly and professional and I felt supported all the way through. I would highly recommend them.
Google reviewerGoogle review
★★★★★
Very professional clinic. I felt safe and looked after by the team. I travelled far to the clinic, and am very pleased I did.
Emma JacksonGoogle review

Read all 376 Google reviews →

Your questions, answered

Cyst removal FAQs.

The questions patients ask most often before booking.

How much does cyst removal cost in Cardiff?

The consultation costs £150. Removal of a mucous (mucoid) cyst or a dermoid cyst starts from £600 under local anaesthetic. Follow-up appointments are FREE.

These are starting prices — the final all-inclusive fee depends on the size, site and complexity of the cyst, and is confirmed at your consultation. No hidden fees.

What types of cyst do you remove?

We remove mucous (mucoid) cysts, which form near the end joint of a finger and are linked to wear-and-tear arthritis, and dermoid cysts, which sit under the skin.

Both are removed under local anaesthetic from £600. If you are not sure what your lump is, that is exactly what the consultation is for.

Will draining the cyst work, or do I need surgery?

A cyst can be drained with a needle, which flattens it quickly — but it very often comes back because the cause is still there.

Surgical removal takes the cyst out together with its stalk or root, which greatly reduces the chance of it returning. Mr Maclean advises which is right for you.

Is it done under general anaesthetic?

No. Cyst removal is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. You stay awake and go home the same day.

Who performs the surgery?

Cyst removal is performed by Mr Angus Maclean, Consultant Hand Surgeon (FRCS, European Hand Diploma). The surgeon you meet at your consultation is the surgeon who operates on you — not a trainee.

How long is the recovery?

Most office-based patients return to work within 24-48 hours. Sutures come out at 10-14 days and heavier use returns over a few weeks.

Do I need a GP referral?

No GP referral is required. You can self-refer by booking a consultation online or by calling 029 2199 9300.

Does my health insurance cover it?

Yes. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz for cyst removal.

Contact your insurer for a pre-authorisation code before booking — we'll help with the paperwork at no extra cost.

Get that cyst sorted.

Don't wait 12 months on the NHS. Book your consultation with Mr Maclean — most patients seen within 1 week.