Lipoma removal: what it is, what the procedure involves and what it costs

A lipoma is a benign growth of fat cells that sits under the skin. They are common, they are not cancer, and most cause no harm at all. People have them removed because of where they are, because clothing catches on them, because they are uncomfortable, or simply because they would rather not have a lump.

How you can tell it is probably a lipoma

Typically soft, moves easily when you press it, grows very slowly, and is painless. They most often appear on the shoulders, neck, back, arms or thighs.

That said, any new or changing lump should be looked at by a clinician rather than diagnosed from a web page. Things worth getting seen promptly: a lump that is hard or fixed in place, one growing quickly, one that is painful, or any change in the skin over it.

When removal is worth considering

There is usually no medical need to remove a lipoma. Common reasons people choose to:

• It is catching on clothing or a bag strap
• It is pressing on something and causing discomfort
• It is somewhere visible and you would rather it was not
• It is growing and you want it dealt with and confirmed

What the procedure involves

Removal is done under local anaesthetic in our treatment room - you are awake, the area is numbed, and you should feel pressure but not pain.

The doctor makes a small incision over the lipoma and removes it, usually whole, which reduces the chance of it coming back. The wound is closed with stitches and dressed. Most straightforward lipomas take around 30 minutes from start to finish.

Where clinically appropriate, tissue removed is sent for laboratory analysis to confirm what it was. The doctor will explain whether that applies in your case and what it adds to the cost.

Afterwards

You walk out the same day. Expect some soreness and bruising for a few days. Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a week or two depending on where it was.

Non-dissolvable stitches usually come out after 7 to 14 days. There will be a scar - the doctor will discuss where the incision goes and what to expect.

Being seen

The first step is an assessment so a doctor can look at it and confirm what it is. For many people that happens in the same visit as the procedure. See our minor surgery prices or ring 01482 766555.