How is the surgery recovery for a small pilonidal cyst? it ruptured and cleared up on its own (and antibiotics) still as bad as 1 having to drain?

Not so bad: I usually unroof these, clean out any remaining hair, and allow to heal over a period of weeks. Pain is usually minimal after the first few days. Be sure to keep lower back/butt cleft hair-free to prevent recurrance.

Depends: Depends on which surgery. There are several different approaches. Speak with a surgeon that performs these operations. He/she should be able to provide you a few different options for approach.