[header] How to drain a cyst [title] Anesthetize the area. [step] Getting a cyst drained requires local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the cyst. Before draining your cyst, your doctor will administer a local or general anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain from the procedure. 
For a small skin cyst, only a local anesthesia may be necessary, and these procedures can often be performed in the doctor's office. If the cyst is deep or large, then general anesthesia may be necessary.