Lipoma Treatment
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma typically presents as a soft, rubbery lump that moves slightly under the skin when touched. These fatty growths can appear anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, but they are most commonly found on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or thighs. Lipomas vary in size and usually grow slowly over months or even years. While they rarely cause pain, they can be tender if they press against nerves or contain blood vessels.
How We Remove Lipomas
Lipoma removal at DR Surgical is performed by experienced practitioners using a minor surgical technique under local anaesthetic. The procedure is straightforward and designed to minimise scarring and downtime:
Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
- A small incision is made over the lipoma.
- The practitioner carefully cleans around the growth to free it from surrounding tissues.
- The lipoma is gently removed in its entirety.
- The skin is closed with stitches, usually resulting in a fine-line scar.
We treat lipomas on all skin types and assess the risk of keloid scarring prior to surgery, especially for clients with a history of raised or thickened scars. Our team takes particular care in tailoring the treatment plan to your skin’s needs to encourage the best possible cosmetic result.
It’s important to note that we do not offer lipoma removal for growths located in intimate areas.
Why Choose Minor Surgery for Lipoma Removal?
Minor surgery is regarded as the gold standard for lipoma treatment because it allows for complete removal of the growth and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Compared with other methods such as liposuction, surgical excision enables our practitioners to fully excise the lipoma capsule — the membrane that encases the fatty lump. This precision helps ensure the lipoma does not return.
Additionally, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so there is no need for a hospital stay or general anaesthesia. Most clients are able to return home shortly after treatment and resume light activities the same day.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the site. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few days. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions, including how to keep the area clean and when to return for suture removal if necessary. Our team is always available to address any concerns during your recovery.
We arrange follow-up appointments as needed to monitor healing and ensure you are happy with the result.
Who is Suitable for Lipoma Removal?
Lipoma removal is suitable for most adults in good general health who wish to remove a lipoma for cosmetic reasons, discomfort, or uncertainty about the nature of the lump. During your consultation at our clinic, our practitioner will assess:
- The size, location, and characteristics of the lipoma
- Your medical history
- Your risk of scarring (particularly keloid or hypertrophic scars)
- Any other skin concerns that may affect healing
Our approach is always medically responsible and in your best interests. If we have any concerns about the nature of the lump, we may recommend sending it for histological analysis (laboratory testing) after removal.