I might be late but some insight:
For twinkies "surgery" to cost ~$700 means its not a surgery. A "surgery" for a lipoma removal is easily over that price and WOULD be a surgery where the animal has to go under anesthesia, even if under 30 minutes and it gets surgerically removed.
Amber states it was a cyst - that price is more consistent for that of abcessed cyst removal when it has grown to a size resembling a fatty tumor but the difference obviously is it doesnt fell fatty. The vet aspirates the site, examines on a slide- quick cytology determined its not fat cells which can look yellow- but if it struggled to come out the syringe and they looked adequately under a light it can reveal pus. For it to take this long for it to be discovered as a cyst means the following:
Amber pays cheap for vet care. As a basic cytology (not a histogram) can be over $300.
Amber is retarded. Owners would notice and be alarmed if a fatty tumor has grown and by the time they have check up for vaccines or minor ailment so about 3 to 6 months after the initial cytology (if performed) or notation of the cyst. If she sees private practices (most likely), they ask if it has grown : Yes or No. Amber would say: "No I dont think so" because she never leaves the house and the doctor has not measured the cyst. Either due to vet hopping or neglect.
Amber waited until audience to grow concern. She gets it checked out. Oh no it should be removed even if non cancerous cause now it has Swiss cheese puss inside of it and this is EXTREMELY PAINFUL* therefore your pet must be sedated.
Amber equates minor sedated procedure as surgery.
Twinkie more than likely received dexdomitor and propofol injection, shes small. If not then maybe midozalom and something else if the doctor is spicy. Twinkie was dropped off as a drop off appointment. Amber signed a waiver in case Twinkie dies, automatically. For cyst drains and removals its literally not that serious lmao. Twinkie was scantily cut into, debulk/debriefed, site was flushed and cleaned, then stitched up.
Amber did not pay for the e-collar the vet provided to save more money. Amber probably denied taking home antibiotics and pain management medication. The shave job it is that of a appointment slot/quick whatever on the wet-table procedure in the middle of the day when appointments are slow and a doctor is free.
Source: NYC; vet tech