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Lipoma Removal
What are lipomas?
A lipoma is a lump under the skin caused by an overgrowth of fat cells. Lipomas are non-cancerous tumours, so they’re not of immediate medical concern. They’re referred to as benign fat cell lumps.
Lipomas can occur everywhere fat cells are, although they are most common on the neck, shoulders, trunk, armpits, and chest. Internal organs, bones, and muscles are rarely affected, they’re just a fatty growth in the skin.
Familial multiple lipomatosis is a condition in which people inherit defective genes that create one or more lipomas. Fortunately, familial multiple lipomatosis is uncommon. It’s more common to find that lipomas develop after an injury or trauma to the area. Many patients don’t even know why or when their lipoma appeared.
When should I get a lipoma removed?
Fortunately, most lipomas are harmless, so the main reason for having them removed is that patients don’t like the look of them, which can be noticeable to others and may cause embarrassment.
They can also cause physical discomfort if they rub or catch on other bodily areas, clothing or bedding.
It may just be that your lipoma makes you uncomfortable and self-conscious.
If you’re bothered by having a lipoma for whatever reason, then it is definitely a good idea to consider having it removed.
The procedure - what's involved in lipoma removal
Lipoma removal is a minor surgical procedure which is carried out under local anaesthetic in our London skin clinics. Our doctors and surgeons are highly experienced in removal of skin blemishes, lumps and bumps, so you’re in safe hands.
After numbing the area, the procedure starts by making a tiny slit or incision in the skin and then squeezing out the lipoma. To remove bigger lipomas, the doctor will make a wider incision. We work carefully to ensure complete removal of the lipoma, as this is important to prevent it returning. Once the fatty growth has been removed, the incision will be carefully stitched or closed using steristrips. We specialise in minimal scarring techniques, so although there will be a wound initially, we would expect it to heal quickly and well. We may advise wound massage to help the healing process. You can expect some localised redness to remain after the initial wound has healed, as this takes a bit longer to clear up.
Our techniques for removing a lipoma are safe and successful. It is surprisingly quick and we may even be able to perform lipoma removal on the same day as your consultation.
Treatment Benefits
Time
Recovery
Results
Duration
Lipoma Removal Costs
| Treatment | Surgery Cost |
|---|---|
| Small lipoma | from £500 |
| Larger lipoma | from £750 |
Consultation
The cost of consultation with our doctors is £75. This is redeemable against the cost of treatment carried out on the same day. Prices are a guide to the costs and the exact price can only be determined once the doctor has examined you in person.
Please call 0207 386 0464 OR email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk for help.
Lipoma removal doctors & surgeons
FAQ's
Lipoma Removal FAQ: Questions & Answers
Skin growths such as cysts and lipomas are both frequent and can look similar in many ways, so how can you distinguish between the two? One way to try and tell the difference between cysts and lipomas by touch. When you apply pressure to a cyst, it does not move in the same way, as a cyst is contained in a ‘sac’. Lipomas are easy to move and sensitive to touch if they push against a nerve or blood artery, but they seldom cause issues. Neither lipomas nor cysts should hurt, although they may feel sensitive when you probe them.
Although both are most likely harmless, they should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
If a lipoma changes significantly or if new lumps arise, always check with your doctor, as it’s important to rule out any more serious underlying medical issue. These modifications might include:
- Increase in size or grow very quickly
- Noticeable changes in the overlying skin
- Becoming painful
- Turning into a solid, immovable lump
- Appearing red or hot
You’ll have local anaesthetic prior to lipoma removal, so this will be completely pain-free.
After the anaesthetic wears off, any discomfort in the first few hours can normally be relieved with paracetamol or ibuprofen. By the next day, normally you’ll feel a little sore, but may feel you can do without painkillers. However, it’s fine to take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a few days if needed.
You’ll be given further information in your consultation and if you have any concerns about discomfort or healing following treatment, please feel free to get in touch.
You should never attempt lipoma removal on your own. This kind of growth requires surgical treatment. DIY methods such as creams are likely to be completely ineffective. Anything that breaks the surface of the skin could cause infection and even scarring.
Always consult a medical professional for lipoma removal.
You should avoid strenuous exercise and heat (e.g. saunas/steam) for about a week while the wound is healing. As your surgical incision heals, you should be able to resume your normal routine. We will provide full information during your consultation.
