Lipoma Removal Surgery

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that develops just beneath the skin. Essentially, it’s a collection of mature fat cells encased in a thin, fibrous capsule. While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the back, neck, shoulders, head, face, arms, abdomen, and thighs. They are typically slow-growing and feel soft and doughy to the touch, moving easily when pressure is applied.

How can I self-diagnose a lipoma?

While it’s always best to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis, you can often identify a lipoma yourself by its characteristics. A lipoma will typically feel soft and rubbery, and you should be able to move it gently under the skin with your fingers. They are usually painless unless they grow very large or press on nerves. They are not usually discoloured and tend to be slow-growing. If you notice a new lump or a change in an existing one, it’s always advisable to seek professional medical advice to rule out other conditions.

Who needs to have surgery for lipoma removal?

Lipomas do not necessarily need to be removed as they are benign (non-cancerous) and generally harmless. However, there are several reasons why you might consider having a lipoma removed:

Aesthetic reasons

If a lipoma is large, visibly prominent, or located in an area that affects your appearance, you might choose to have it removed for cosmetic reasons. This is particularly common if the lipoma is on the face, neck, or other exposed areas.

Discomfort and pain 

Depending on its size, location, and growth, a lipoma can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain. This might occur if it presses on nerves, muscles, or blood vessels, or if it’s located in an area subject to friction, such as under clothing. If a lipoma is causing you physical discomfort, removal can significantly improve your quality of life.

Changes 

While rare, there is a possibility that a lipoma might change in size, colour, or become swollen or inflamed. Any sudden changes, rapid growth, or increased tenderness should be evaluated by a doctor, who may recommend removal for a possible diagnosis to confirm it is indeed a benign lipoma and not something more concerning. 

Lipoma Removal – What You Can Expect

Consultation and diagnosis

Your journey to lipoma removal will begin with a consultation with a specialist. During this appointment, the doctor will carefully examine the lump and its appearance to provide an accurate diagnosis. In most cases, a visual and physical examination is sufficient to diagnose a lipoma. However, in rare instances, especially if the lipoma is deep within the skin and cannot be accurately diagnosed visually, additional medical tests such as an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess its size and depth.

During surgery

There are several different types of removal procedures offered for lipomas, with the most common being surgical excision. The choice of procedure will depend on the size, location, and depth of the lipoma.

Excision: This is the most common and effective method for lipoma removal. It involves making an incision over the lipoma, carefully dissecting it from the surrounding tissue, and then removing it entirely. The incision is then closed with stitches. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area around the lipoma is numbed, and you remain awake throughout the procedure. For larger or more complex lipomas, general anaesthesia might be considered.

Other less common methods include:

• Liposuction: For larger, softer lipomas, liposuction can be an option. This involves inserting a thin tube (cannula) through a small incision and extracting the fatty tissue. While it results in a smaller scar, there’s a slightly higher chance of recurrence compared to traditional excision.
• Minimal Incision Extraction: This technique uses a very small incision, often just a few millimetres, through which the lipoma is gently squeezed or extracted. It’s suitable for smaller lipomas and results in minimal scarring, but like liposuction, complete removal can sometimes be challenging, potentially leading to recurrence.

Aftercare

Following your lipoma removal, the specialist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. This will typically include advice on keeping the wound clean and dry, changing dressings as needed, and managing any mild pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief. You’ll also be advised on when to return for a follow-up appointment, usually to have stitches removed if non-dissolvable ones were used, and to ensure proper healing. It’s important to follow these instructions diligently to promote optimal healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Lipoma Removal Costs

The cost of lipoma removal in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the lipoma, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anaesthetic used, and the clinic or hospital you choose. As lipoma removal is often considered a cosmetic procedure or elective surgery unless medically necessary, it is typically performed privately. It is always best to obtain a detailed quote after your initial consultation, as this will outline all associated costs, including surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees (if applicable), facility fees, and follow-up appointments.