The Giant Cyst Squeezed and Drained: An Inside Look at One of Medicine’s Most Viral Procedures. Few things online draw attention quite like the moment a giant cyst is squeezed and drained.

With millions of views on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, these squishy, messy, and strangely satisfying videos have taken the internet by storm. But what exactly is happening when a doctor squeezes out thick white goop from someone’s back, neck, or face?

Let’s go beneath the skin—literally—and explore the biology, the procedure, and the fascination behind giant cyst drainage.

What Is a Cyst, Really?

A cyst is a closed sac of tissue that can develop anywhere in the body. It may be filled with fluid, pus, air, or other material—most commonly keratin, a protein naturally found in skin, hair, and nails.

There are many types of cysts, but the stars of online videos are usually:

• Epidermoid Cysts (commonly but incorrectly called sebaceous cysts)
• Pilar Cysts (often found on the scalp)
• Sebaceous Cysts (which actually arise from sebaceous glands)

Most cysts are benign, meaning they’re non-cancerous and not usually dangerous. However, they can grow, become inflamed, or get infected if left untreated. This can lead to pain, pressure, and the urge to do something about it—cue the dramatic draining.

Why Do Some Cysts Get So Huge?

Cysts form when the normal process of skin shedding gets disrupted. Normally, old skin cells slough off, but in some cases, those cells travel deeper into the skin instead of rising to the surface. There, they multiply and form the walls of the cyst, slowly filling it with keratin or sebum.

If untreated, some cysts can grow for months or even years. People often ignore them when they’re small, especially if they don’t cause pain. Others might be embarrassed or afraid to seek medical help—until the cyst becomes too large to ignore.

Some cysts can grow to the size of a marble, golf ball, or even a small apple.

The Procedure: How a Giant Cyst Is Squeezed and Drained

Step 1: Examination and Preparation

Before anything is squeezed, a healthcare provider will inspect the cyst to determine its size, location, and whether it’s infected. If it’s inflamed, antibiotics may be prescribed before draining it.

Once ready for the procedure, the area is cleaned thoroughly with antiseptic to avoid infection.

Step 2: Local Anesthesia

A numbing agent is injected around the cyst to make the patient comfortable. Despite the disturbing visuals, the procedure is generally painless thanks to anesthesia.

Step 3: The Incision and Squeeze

A small incision is made over the cyst using a scalpel or surgical blade. Then comes the moment everyone waits for: the squeeze.

Thick, white, creamy material—usually keratin—starts to ooze out.

In some cases, the substance has a foul odor due to trapped bacteria.

The material might come out slowly, or in a sudden eruption that sprays in all directions (a fan favorite online).

Doctors carefully press and massage the area to empty the cyst completely.

Step 4: Removing the Sac (the Key to Prevention)

This is the critical step often skipped in DIY attempts: removing the cyst wall or sac. If any part of it is left behind, the cyst can reform.

Depending on the cyst’s depth and size, this might involve minor dissection and a few minutes of careful work.

Step 5: Cleaning and Closure

The wound is cleaned thoroughly. In some cases, stitches may be required. Other times, it’s left open to drain and heal naturally, especially if there was infection.

Aftercare includes keeping the area clean, applying antibiotic ointment, and monitoring for signs of recurrence or infection.

Is It Safe to Squeeze a Cyst at Home?

• In short: no.
• Squeezing a cyst at home can cause:
• Infection
• Scarring
• Incomplete drainage
• Recurrence
• Spread of bacteria to nearby tissue (cellulitis)

Worse yet, what appears to be a cyst could be something more serious—like an abscess, lipoma, or even a tumor. Always get a medical opinion.

The Internet’s Obsession: Why Are These Videos So Addictive?
Millions tune in to watch giant cysts get popped—and it’s not just about the gross-out factor.

According to psychologists and content experts, the appeal comes from:

• Resolution – Watching something messy get cleaned up feels satisfying.
• Curiosity – The human body is full of surprises, and cysts are strange but real.
• Control and Catharsis – Seeing pressure relieved from a swollen area can feel metaphorically relieving.
• ASMR-like Effects – Some viewers report feeling physically relaxed or calm while watching.

Even celebrities like Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) have built entire careers and media empires around cyst extractions and similar dermatological procedures.

When to See a Doctor About a Lump

If you notice a lump under your skin that:

• Is growing
• Is painful or red
• Leaks fluid
• Has a foul smell
• Seems firm or irregular in shape
• …it’s time to get it checked out.

Don’t wait for it to become a viral video. Early treatment is usually quick and easy—and far less dramatic.

More Than Just a Satisfying Squeeze

While it might be fun to watch from the safety of your phone screen, a giant cyst being squeezed and drained is a real medical procedure.

It involves skill, knowledge, and sterile technique to do properly. And although the visual result is unforgettable, the most important part is what you can’t see: a clean removal and proper healing.

So next time you find yourself down a rabbit hole of “gross but satisfying” cyst videos, just remember—what looks like a juicy moment of internet content is also someone’s journey to relief, healing, and healthy skin.