Lipoma Removal
Also known as: lipoma excision
Lipoma removal is a safe, effective minor surgery that completely excises fatty lumps to restore comfort and confidence with minimal scarring and quick recovery.
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a non-cancerous, slow-growing tumour composed of mature fat cells surrounded by a thin fibrous tissue capsule. These soft fatty lumps typically develop just beneath the skin (subcutaneous layer), presenting as movable, rubbery masses. Most lipomas are painless and grow slowly over time, though they can occasionally cause discomfort if they press against blood vessels or nerves.
Lipomas can occur anywhere on your body, but are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, arms, chest, and legs. While a single lipoma is most typical, some patients develop multiple lipomas due to an inherited condition called familial multiple lipomatosis.
These benign tumours are unrelated to cancerous tissue in the vast majority of cases. They are generally harmless, but any lump that grows quickly, becomes painful, or feels unusual should be assessed to rule out rare conditions.
The exact cause isn’t clear, though genetics plays a role. Some lipomas appear after minor injuries, but this association has not been proven. Unlike cysts, lipomas consist entirely of fatty tissue and are often encapsulated, making surgical excision the most effective treatment option.
When to consider lipoma removal?
Living with visible fatty lumps can affect your self-confidence and daily comfort. Whether you’re dealing with unsightly lumps on your arms, neck, or shoulders, or experiencing discomfort from larger lipomas pressing against surrounding tissues, you don’t have to continue suffering in silence. Many patients feel uncertain about their diagnosis and worry about the appearance of these soft fatty growths.
Professional lipoma removal surgery offers a long-lasting solution, with a very low chance of the lump returning if it is entirely removed. Our expert surgical approach ensures complete removal while aiming to minimise scarring and keep you comfortable throughout the outpatient procedure.
Why choose our lipoma removal service?
Our comprehensive lipoma removal options are designed to provide you with the safest, most effective treatment possible:
- Expert dermatology consultants – specialised experience in diagnosing and removing lipomas of all sizes and locations
- Local anaesthetic procedure – comfortable outpatient procedure with no hospital stay required, allowing you to return home the same day
- Minimal scarring techniques – advanced surgical methods and tension-free suturing result in small scars that heal very well
- Same-day treatment available – fast access to care with no GP referral needed, getting you the treatment you need quickly
- Comprehensive service – complete care from initial consultation and diagnosis confirmation through post-procedure care and follow-up support
Please call to enquire about the price
Ways to payBefore the procedure
During your initial consultation, your dermatologist will carry out a thorough examination and may recommend an ultrasound scan if the lump is large, deep, atypical or growing rapidly. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, any discomfort, and your treatment goals in detail.
During the procedure
Your dermatologist will begin by administering a local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout. Once the area is numb, a small, carefully planned incision is made to remove the lipoma along with its capsule (if present), helping to reduce the risk of recurrence. Specialised suturing and tension-free closure techniques are used to minimise scarring and promote optimal wound healing, supporting the best possible cosmetic outcome.
The procedure usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Larger or multiple lipomas may take longer to remove, but most patients find the process straightforward and more comfortable than expected.
After the procedure
You’ll receive clear post-surgery care instructions and continued guidance during your recovery. Your dermatologist will monitor your healing progress and remain available to address any concerns. Any suspicious tissue will be sent for laboratory analysis.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. The small incision typically heals within 2-3 weeks, though complete healing and final scar appearance may take several months. Large lipomas may require a slightly more extended recovery period.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Assessment & Planning
During your consultation, your dermatologist examines the lump and may recommend an ultrasound if it’s large, deep, fast-growing, or unusual. You’ll discuss symptoms, discomfort, and your goals so your treatment plan is fully tailored to you.
Precise Surgical Removal
A local anaesthetic keeps the area fully comfortable. A small, strategic incision is made to remove the lipoma and its capsule, reducing the chance of it returning. Advanced suturing and tension-free closure techniques help minimise scarring and support smooth healing. The procedure typically takes 15–60 minutes depending on the size and number of lipomas.
Recovery & Follow-Up Care
You’ll receive clear aftercare guidance, and your dermatologist will monitor your progress as you heal. Any tissue of concern is sent for analysis. Most people resume normal activities within a few days, with the incision healing in 2–3 weeks and final scar refinement continuing over the following months.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to an OSD treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
A lipoma is a soft, movable lump under your skin made of fatty tissue. Unlike a cyst, lipomas feel rubbery and can be easily moved with gentle pressure. If you notice small lumps or larger fatty lumps that have grown slowly over time, a physical examination by our experts can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Consider removal if your lipoma is causing pain, affecting your appearance, interfering with clothing or movement, or if you’re concerned about its growth. While most lipomas are harmless, surgical removal is the most reliable solution, with low recurrence rates, allowing the tissue to be checked in the lab for reassurance.
Lipoma surgery is generally very safe. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, haematoma, temporary or permanent numbness, fluid collection (seroma), small scar formation, or contour changes depending on the site. Our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to minimise these risks and ensure optimal outcomes.
When the lipoma is wholly removed, recurrence is uncommon; however, new lipomas can still develop elsewhere. Patients with familial multiple lipomatosis may develop new lipomas in different locations over time, which is different from the original lipoma returning.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and whether the removal is considered medically necessary or a cosmetic procedure. Lipomas that cause pain, functional problems, or rapid growth are more likely to be covered than those removed solely for cosmetic reasons.
We usually send the removed tissue for analysis to confirm it is benign, especially if the lump is large, deep, or growing quickly. Our surgeons recommend laboratory analysis for atypical presentations, rapidly growing lumps, or when there’s any question about the diagnosis to rule out rare cases of cancerous tissue.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumours that grow slowly and feel soft and movable. Liposarcomas are rare cancerous tumours that typically grow more rapidly, feel firmer, and may be painful. Our expert examination, along with tissue analysis when necessary, can definitively distinguish between these conditions.