When it comes to lipoma removal, the NHS typically only offers treatment for cases where the lipoma is causing significant pain, restricting movement, or suspected of being cancerous. For benign and asymptomatic lipomas, treatment is often considered non-essential, meaning patients are unlikely to qualify for removal under NHS services. This leaves many individuals seeking private options for removal, especially when the lipoma causes discomfort or impacts confidence.
What Are Lipomas?
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow beneath the skin, commonly forming on the shoulders, back, neck, face, or thighs. They are non-cancerous and typically slow-growing, often remaining harmless throughout a person’s life. While the exact cause of lipomas isn’t fully understood, they can occur in individuals of any age and sometimes run in families due to genetic predisposition.
Lipomas are usually painless, but their size and location can cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. In rare cases, lipomas may press on nerves or grow large enough to restrict movement, making removal necessary for the patient’s wellbeing.
What Happens If Lipomas Are Left Untreated?
In most cases, lipomas do not require treatment and can be left alone without posing significant health risks. However, untreated lipomas may gradually increase in size over time, leading to physical discomfort, aesthetic concerns, or psychological distress.
Larger lipomas can sometimes interfere with daily activities or become difficult to remove as they grow, especially if they develop close to muscles, nerves, or other sensitive structures. While lipomas rarely become cancerous, any sudden changes in size, shape, or pain should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out more serious conditions.
Why Most Doctors Avoid Lipoma Removal
Lipoma removal, particularly in larger or more complex cases, often requires careful planning and precision. For smaller lipomas, local anaesthesia may suffice, but larger or deeper lipomas often necessitate general anaesthesia and a more invasive procedure. This distinction between minor and major surgery can deter some general practitioners and surgeons from offering removal, especially when dealing with delicate areas or multiple lipomas.
On the NHS, even cases requiring general anaesthesia are subject to stringent criteria to determine medical necessity. Lipomas considered cosmetic or non-urgent are unlikely to be treated, leaving patients to explore private care options. Many private clinics, however, may still decline complex cases due to the level of expertise required or the potential risks involved.
How We Help, No Matter the Complexity
At City Dermatology Clinic, we specialise in treating lipomas of all sizes and complexities, providing patients with safe and effective removal options. Unlike many clinics, we take on cases that others might avoid, ensuring that no patient feels left behind due to the size or location of their lipoma.
Our team of experienced surgeons, including Mr. Parviz Sadigh, has a proven track record of handling challenging lipoma cases with exceptional results. Mr. Sadigh’s expertise in complex surgeries and his extensive portfolio of successful case studies make him a trusted choice for patients across London and beyond.
Whether your lipoma is small and straightforward or large and intricate, we are here to help you regain your comfort and confidence. Book a consultation with us today and discover the difference our dedicated care can make.