Woman who thought blemish on face was just a spot issues warning after left needing 30 stitches

A woman’s attempt to deal with what she believed to be a stubborn pimple on her cheek turned into a medical ordeal requiring surgery and 30 stitches.

Steph Warkotsch, a 30-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, initially thought the mark on her left cheek, which appeared in October last year, was a “hormonal pimple.”

Used to dealing with occasional blemishes, Steph attempted to treat it with face masks and cold compresses. However, the mark didn’t improve—instead, it swelled dramatically over a week, leaving her in significant pain.

Steph began to suspect something was wrong as the swelling worsened. “The pain was unbearable, and I couldn’t sleep properly because I couldn’t lie on the left side of my face,” she said.

Steph Warkotsch spotted the ‘blemish’ on her left cheek in October last year (SWNS)

Despite a course of antibiotics prescribed by her doctor, the blemish remained persistent. By November, the swelling had doubled in size, growing to the diameter of a 10-cent coin, accompanied by constant throbbing pain.

Her GP referred her for an ultrasound, where Steph learned the truth—it wasn’t a pimple at all. The diagnosis revealed a deep-rooted sebaceous cyst embedded in her cheekbone and sinuses.

Sebaceous cysts are harmless, slow-growing bumps that form under the skin. They are typically filled with keratin and cell debris and are common on the face. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these cysts often require surgical removal to prevent recurrence.

While some professionals might drain the fluid inside the cyst to temporarily alleviate symptoms, experts strongly warn against attempting to pop or drain these cysts at home. Doing so can lead to infection and potentially make the problem worse.

The mum, from Melbourne, had to undergo surgery to remove the sebaceous cyst (SWNS)

The experts also warned: “Don’t try popping or draining the cyst yourself. This could cause an infection, and

Following her diagnosis, Steph consulted a skin cancer specialist, who recommended surgical removal. The 30-minute procedure, performed privately for $450 AUD (£229), successfully extracted the cyst. However, the surgery left her with a large wound requiring 30 stitches.

The surgical team reassured Steph that the incision followed her natural wrinkle and smile lines, which would help the scar heal more smoothly. Still, seeing her face post-surgery was a shock.

“When I first saw my face all stitched up, I just cried,” she admitted. “I thought I’d be scarred for life, but the clinic gave me detailed instructions on how to care for the wound, and it’s healing slowly.”

@stephaaaaw

Well that was a big whoopsie #drpimplepopper #skincareroutine

♬ original sound – K9 Arlo

As a single mom, Steph said the pain and sleepless nights were hard to endure, but she’s grateful the surgery resolved the issue. Sharing her journey on TikTok, her videos quickly went viral, with one post garnering over nine million views.

Steph now uses her platform to caution others about mistaking potentially serious conditions for minor blemishes. “I wanted to warn others that a ‘spot’ might not be just a blemish,” she said. “You should always seek professional assistance, especially when it comes to your face.”

Steph’s story serves as a reminder to avoid self-diagnosing or attempting to treat persistent skin issues without consulting a professional. When it comes to your health—and especially your face—it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS