No — a regular pimple lasts 3 to 7 days, and anything that hangs around for weeks or months is probably a cyst, a nodule, or something other than acne. Cystic and nodular lesions can persist 2 to 6 weeks untreated and need a dermatologist; popping them deepens scarring and adds infection risk. A persistent bump that doesn't respond to hydrocolloid patches or salicylic acid may be a sebaceous cyst, milia, perioral dermatitis, or in rare cases a basal cell carcinoma. Book a dermatologist appointment if the spot is older than 4 weeks, is painful, drains, or changes color. A cortisone injection clears most stuck cysts in 24 to 48 hours.