020 3751 4946

Lipoma Treatment

At Derma Revive Surgical, we offer safe, effective, and minimally invasive lipoma removal, providing our clients with peace of mind and expert care. A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) lump made up of fat cells that sits just beneath the skin. Although lipomas are usually harmless, they can become uncomfortable, unsightly, or grow over time, prompting people to seek 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.

How to Book

If you have a lipoma and are considering removal, we invite you to arrange a consultation at our clinic. Our team will assess your individual case and guide you through the options to ensure you feel informed and confident in your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of a lipoma without surgery?

There is currently no reliable, medically approved method to remove a lipoma without surgery. While some sources may suggest natural remedies, such as herbal creams or dietary changes, these have no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. The only proven way to remove a lipoma is through minor surgical excision, which allows complete removal of the lump.

The gold standard treatment for a lipoma is surgical removal (excision). This involves making a small incision, removing the fatty lump along with its capsule, and closing the skin with stitches. This method ensures the entire lipoma is removed, greatly reducing the chance of recurrence. It is a quick, safe procedure usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

Most lipomas are painless. However, a lipoma can become painful if it presses on nearby nerves, contains small blood vessels, or grows in an area where it causes friction or pressure. In some cases, rapid growth or inflammation within the lipoma may also lead to discomfort.

Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths, and it is extremely rare for them to become cancerous. That said, if a lump grows quickly, feels firm, becomes painful, or changes in any unusual way, it is important to have it assessed by a medical professional to rule out other conditions, such as liposarcoma (a rare cancerous tumour).

If left untreated, a lipoma may stay the same size or slowly grow over time. Although most lipomas are harmless, larger ones can become noticeable or uncomfortable, depending on their location. In some cases, a growing lipoma might press on nearby structures and cause mild discomfort or cosmetic concern. There is no risk of the lipoma spreading or turning into cancer, but if in doubt, it’s wise to seek medical advice.

Yes, the NHS can remove lipomas, but typically only if the lump is causing pain, restricting movement, or creating another medical concern. Lipomas removed for purely cosmetic reasons are unlikely to be treated on the NHS, so many people choose to have the procedure carried out privately for quicker access and greater choice over where and when the surgery is done.

Doctors are generally happy to remove lipomas if there is a valid medical reason — such as pain, rapid growth, or interference with normal movement. If a lipoma is small, soft, painless, and not causing any issues, removal may not be recommended purely because it isn’t medically necessary. Like any procedure, surgery carries minor risks, so doctors carefully weigh the benefits before suggesting removal.

The cost of lipoma removal in the UK varies depending on the size and location of the lipoma, and the clinic performing the procedure. As a guide, private removal typically starts from around £500 to £1,500 per lipoma. A consultation is needed to provide an accurate quote tailored to your specific case.

The exact cause of lipoma growth is not fully understood, but they may develop due to a combination of genetic factors and localised overgrowth of fat cells. Lipomas can sometimes run in families, suggesting a hereditary link. Although they can occur at any age, they are most commonly seen in adults between 40 and 60 years old.

Customer testimonials

I was nervous about having a mole removed from my cheek, but the team made me feel completely at ease. The procedure was quick, painless, and the scar is barely noticeable. I couldn’t be happier with the results—my confidence is through the roof!

Sarah T. – London

I had a small lipoma that had been bothering me for years. The doctor explained everything clearly and removed it in less than an hour. Recovery was a breeze, and I’m glad I finally did it. Highly recommend their caring and professional service.

Lena K. – Amersham

After trying countless over-the-counter treatments for stubborn warts on my foot, I finally booked an appointment here. One cryotherapy session made a huge difference. The staff were kind and thorough, and my foot healed beautifully. So relieved!

David S. – Croydon

More Treatments

Mole Removal

Moles (also called naevi) are common skin growths that vary in size, shape, and colour. While most moles are harmless, some can become bothersome, change in appearance, or cause concern for skin cancer.

Keloid Scar Removal

Keloid scars are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that continue to grow beyond the site of the original wound. They can develop after surgery, injury, piercings, burns, or even minor skin trauma.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags — small, soft, harmless growths that appear on the skin — are extremely common in adults. Although they pose no medical risk, they can catch on clothing or jewellery, become irritated, or cause cosmetic concern.

Get in Touch

If you have a lipoma and are considering removal, we invite you to arrange a consultation at our clinic. Our team will assess your individual case and guide you through the options to ensure you feel informed and confident in your treatment plan.