Lipoma removal is a straightforward minor surgical procedure used to safely remove benign fatty lumps. At City Dermatology Clinic, the procedure is carried out by doctors with specialist training in skin surgery, using precise techniques to minimise scarring and ensure the lipoma is removed fully in one visit. Most lipomas are harmless, but removal is often chosen for discomfort, growth, or cosmetic reasons. We assess each case carefully and provide clear guidance on what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Lipomas are best treated through minor surgical procedures designed to remove the fatty lump in full, including its capsule. The approach depends on the lipoma’s size, depth, and location. Below is an overview of the main treatment methods used in clinical practice.
Surgical excision is the standard and most reliable technique. Under local anaesthetic, a small incision is made directly over the lipoma, allowing complete removal of the lump and its capsule. This method has the lowest recurrence rate and is suitable for most lipoma types, including larger or deep-seated growths.
For soft, superficial lipomas, liposuction can be used through a tiny incision to remove the fatty tissue. Because the capsule is not always fully extracted, there is a slightly increased chance of the lipoma returning. This technique is most appropriate when minimising scarring is a priority.
Some centres use laser-assisted approaches to help break down the fatty tissue before removal. This may reduce bleeding and incision size for small lipomas in sensitive areas. Laser techniques are not suitable for all lipomas and depend on clinical assessment and equipment availability.
Lipoma removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic. The clinician assesses the lipoma, makes a small incision, removes the lump in full, and closes the wound with sutures where required. Most procedures take between 20 and 45 minutes, and patients can return home the same day.
Healing is typically quick with minimal downtime. A short aftercare period is advised to support good wound healing and reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up may be offered if the lipoma was large, deep, or in an area of higher movement.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | A plastic surgeon will assess the lipoma’s size, location, and firmness to determine the most suitable removal method. |
| Pre-treatment assessment | The area will be examined to check for depth, movement, and whether imaging or histology is required. |
| Surgical planning | Most lipomas are removed using a minor surgical excision under local anaesthetic. Smaller or softer lipomas may be considered for less invasive techniques. |
| Treatment day | The procedure is carried out by a surgeon in a clinical setting. It usually takes 20–40 minutes and is completed in one visit. |
| Post-procedure care | You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions, including wound care, dressing changes, and scar minimisation advice. |
| Histology (if needed) | If there’s any uncertainty about the lump, the lipoma will be sent for laboratory analysis. You’ll be contacted with results. |
| Follow-up appointment | Some cases may require a follow-up to assess healing or remove stitches, depending on the size and location of the lipoma. |
| Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the incision site. Keep the area clean and dry. |
| Days 4-7 | Swelling begins to reduce. You may experience some itching as healing progresses. Stitches may be removed (if non-dissolvable). |
| Weeks 2-3 | Most visible bruising fades. Incision site continues to heal with minimal discomfort. Light activities can usually resume. |
| Weeks 4-6 | Scar begins to fade and soften. Full range of movement restored. Most patients feel completely recovered. |
| 3-12 Months | Scar continues to mature and fade, becoming less noticeable over time. |
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process. While some scarring is inevitable, most lipoma removal scars are small and fade significantly over 12-18 months, becoming much less noticeable with proper aftercare.
Notes: Healing varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon’s specific instructions always take priority over general guidance.
| Topic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Showering | You can usually shower the next day. Keep water running gently over the area without direct pressure. Pat dry and avoid rubbing. |
| Dressing care | Keep the initial dressing on for 24–48 hours unless advised otherwise. After that, replace with a clean, dry dressing each day or whenever it becomes moist. |
| Returning to work | Many patients return to work the next day. If the lipoma was large or removed from an area that moves a lot (shoulder, back, thigh), you may need extra rest. |
| Exercise | Light walking is fine immediately. Avoid the gym, running, stretching, and heavy lifting for 10–14 days to prevent bleeding, wound tension, or delayed healing. |
| Swimming | Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 14 days to reduce infection risk and irritation. |
| Pain relief | Mild tenderness is common. Paracetamol is usually appropriate. Avoid ibuprofen in the first 24 hours if there was bleeding during the procedure. |
| Stitches | Many lipoma excisions require stitches beneath the skin and sometimes on the surface. Surface sutures are usually removed after 10–14 days, depending on the location. |
| Bruising & swelling | Local bruising and firmness under the scar are common in the first 2–3 weeks. This gradually settles. Contact the clinic if swelling rapidly increases. |
| Sun exposure | Keep the area covered while healing. Once the incision has fully closed, apply SPF 30+ to support better scar maturation and prevent darkening. |
| When to seek help | Increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge, fever, or worsening pain may indicate infection. Contact your clinician promptly. |
| Scar care | Once fully healed, some patients are advised to use silicone gel or silicone sheets to support the appearance of the scar. Only start this if your doctor approves. |
A lipoma is a benign, fatty lump that develops beneath the skin. It usually presents as a soft, slow-growing mass and can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are non-cancerous and most commonly linked to genetic factors, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
These growths are generally painless and harmless, but larger lipomas or those that press on nearby structures may lead to discomfort. Lipomas tend to persist for many years without resolving on their own, and it is common for people to have more than one.
Examples of lipomas our surgeons have successfully removed.
View our before and after gallery to see real patient results and healing stages following lipoma removal.
City Dermatology Clinic leads the way in private lipoma removal in London, offering access to some of the city’s most experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Our team, fully registered with the UK General Medical Council (GMC), specialises in the safe, effective removal of lipomas, ensuring excellent cosmetic outcomes with minimal discomfort.
Using advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques, we tailor every lipoma removal to the patient’s specific needs. Whether through precise surgical excision or liposuction for softer lumps, our approach reduces scarring, shortens recovery time, and allows for a faster return to normal activity.
With locations in Harley Street and the City of London, close to Bank, Liverpool Street, and Cannon Street, our clinics are easily accessible for patients across the capital. We’re committed to making high-quality lipoma removal in London convenient, discreet, and patient-focused.
Choosing private treatment at City Dermatology Clinic means personalised care without delay. Our fully equipped surgical rooms and experienced team of dermatologists and surgeons provide expert assessment and removal, whether for cosmetic concerns or discomfort. No GP referral is needed, and every step is carried out with professionalism, safety, and support.
Our Team
Our doctors are trained in minor surgical procedures and routinely manage lipomas of all sizes and locations. Each clinician has experience in assessing soft-tissue lumps, explaining treatment options, and performing safe, complete excision under local anaesthetic. Patients are seen by doctors who regularly carry out lipoma removal in a clinical, CQC-regulated setting.
Our doctors are trained in minor surgical procedures and routinely manage lipomas of all sizes and locations. Each clinician has experience in assessing soft-tissue lumps, explaining treatment options, and performing safe, complete excision under local anaesthetic. Patients are seen by doctors who regularly carry out lipoma removal in a clinical, CQC-regulated setting.
BSc, MBChB, FRCS
MD, PhD
MBBS, MRCS
MB ChB FRCS
MB ChB FRCS (Plast)
BSc, MBChB, FRCS
MBBS, MSc, FRCS
MBBS, FRCS
MA MBBS FRCS
MD, MSc, FRCS, FEBOPRAS
MBBS, MSc, FRCS
Lipoma Removal Doctor consultation is £100. We allocate enough time should you wish to have the procedure done straight after the consultation. Please note that all prices are dependent upon the size and location and are subject to a consultation.
Most lipomas do not need to be removed, as they are benign and usually cause no medical harm. Removal becomes appropriate when a lipoma grows, causes discomfort, restricts movement, becomes bothersome due to its size or location, or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis. Some people also choose removal for cosmetic reasons. Your doctor can confirm whether removal is advisable after examining the lump.
A typical lipoma removal takes around 20–45 minutes, depending on the size and depth of the lump. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, and most patients can go home shortly afterwards. Same-day removal is often possible following the initial assessment, provided the lipoma is suitable for treatment at the time.
Most patients do not feel pain during lipoma removal because the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. You may notice pressure or a pushing sensation as the lipoma is separated from the surrounding tissue, but this is normal and not typically uncomfortable. Once the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness can occur and usually settles within a few days.
A small scar is expected after any surgical removal, but its appearance depends on factors such as the size, depth, and position of the lipoma. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic using refined techniques aimed at minimising tissue disruption and supporting good cosmetic healing. Most scars fade gradually over time, and we provide clear aftercare guidance to help the area settle as smoothly as possible.
After the procedure, you’ll be given clear aftercare instructions. Most removals involve a few skin stitches, which are typically removed after 7-10 days. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid strenuous activity for a few days, and follow wound care advice to minimise scarring. If any signs of infection occur – such as redness, discharge, or increased pain – you should contact the clinic promptly.
The vast majority of lipomas are completely benign. Very rarely, a cancerous tumour called a liposarcoma can mimic a lipoma. Features such as rapid growth, firmness, or deep tissue involvement may warrant further imaging or a biopsy to rule this out. If there’s any doubt, we’ll advise accordingly and arrange further investigation.
Lipomas can grow back, but it’s uncommon when the original one is fully removed. A complete excision takes out both the fatty lump and its capsule, which is the part that can cause regrowth if left behind. When the capsule isn’t removed, a new lipoma may form in the same spot.
A lipoma is a soft, slow-growing lump made up of fat cells, usually located just beneath the skin. It feels doughy to the touch and tends to move slightly when pressed. In contrast, a cyst is a sac-like structure that contains fluid, keratin, or other material, and may feel firmer or fluctuate in size. While both are usually benign, the treatment approach differs, so an accurate diagnosis is important.
Larger lipomas can still be removed, though the approach may be slightly different. Depending on the size and depth, the procedure might require a longer incision and a bit more recovery time. At our clinic, each case is assessed carefully to ensure the safest and most effective removal method.
The NHS may offer removal if the lipoma is painful, restricting function, or raising concern about malignancy. However, purely cosmetic removals are generally not funded by NHS. As a result, many patients choose private treatment for quicker access and more predictable outcomes.
Doctors diagnose a lipoma through a combination of clinical examination and, where needed, imaging. Most lipomas can be confidently identified by touch: they feel soft, mobile, and sit just beneath the skin. If the lump is unusually firm, deep, fast-growing, or in a sensitive location, your doctor may arrange an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. In rare cases, further imaging or a biopsy is used to ensure the lump is benign. A proper assessment helps guide the safest and most appropriate treatment.
There is no proven way to prevent lipomas, as they tend to develop due to genetics and natural changes in fatty tissue rather than lifestyle factors. Some people are simply more prone to forming them. Maintaining a healthy weight does not prevent lipomas, and they can occur even in very fit individuals. Early assessment is advised if a new lump appears, particularly if it grows quickly, becomes painful, or changes in any way.
