Lipoma Removal Surgery

Lipoma Surgery – Skin Lump Removal

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. It is benign and rarely becomes cancerous. It’s usually detected by touch and its doughy feel often helps to differentiate it from other types of lumps. While they’re harmless, some people may choose to remove a lipoma due to discomfort or for aesthetic reasons.

At Centre for Surgery in London, our team of expert plastic surgeons are proficient in the surgical removal of lipomas. Their approach focuses on techniques that not only effectively remove these benign growths, but also minimise scarring, ensuring a satisfying cosmetic result. Our Baker Street clinic offers a broad range of skin surgeries including lipoma removal, in a comfortable and professional environment.

The surgical procedure to remove a lipoma typically involves either liposuction or surgical excision. Liposuction can be a preferable choice for larger lipomas, as it tends to leave a smaller scar. In an excision procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin and removes the lipoma completely. Both procedures are usually done under local anaesthesia and involve minimal downtime for recovery.

Regardless of the method, our surgeons take utmost care to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether your lipoma is causing discomfort or you simply desire its removal for aesthetic reasons, Centre for Surgery is dedicated to providing you with a positive and successful treatment experience.

A lipoma is a benign growth of fat cells that aggregate under the skin, forming a soft, rubbery lump. It’s a common condition often described as a skin lump or a fatty tumor. Lipomas develop within the adipose tissue—the layer of fat that lies between the skin and the underlying muscles. They are encased within a thin, fibrous capsule and nourished by small blood vessels.

Although noncancerous and rarely life-threatening, lipomas can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if they press against nerves or restrict joint movement. If they grow too large or become visually noticeable, some people may also opt to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, but they are most commonly found in the:

• Back
• Shoulders and neck
• Buttocks and thighs
• Arms and legs
• Chest and abdomen
• Face and scalp

Our skilled surgeons at Centre for Surgery in London offer treatments for the removal of these skin lumps, ensuring a safe and efficient procedure with minimal scarring. Depending on the size and location of the lipoma, the surgeon may employ various surgical techniques such as liposuction or direct excision.

Liposuction involves the insertion of a small, thin tube called a cannula to break up the fatty tissue, which is then suctioned out. This approach is often used for larger lipomas and results in smaller scars.

In contrast, a lipoma excision procedure involves making a small incision over the lipoma and carefully removing the entire lump. This method is often preferred for smaller lipomas and for those located in easily visible areas to ensure optimal cosmetic results.

Regardless of the method chosen, our surgeons prioritise patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, aiming to minimise the impact of the procedure on your day-to-day life.

Lipomas typically present as soft, round or oval-shaped lumps underneath the skin. They can range in size from smaller than a pea to several centimeters in diameter. While lipomas can occur anywhere in the body, they are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.

One of the key characteristics of a lipoma is its “doughy” or “rubbery” texture. When pressed, it will typically yield to pressure and may even move slightly under the skin. It should be relatively easy to distinguish from the surrounding tissues due to its softer and smoother texture.

While lipomas are usually painless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, especially if they grow large enough to press on nearby nerves or other structures. Some people may also experience a feeling of heaviness or a dull ache in the area of the lipoma.

Despite their often alarming appearance, lipomas are usually slow-growing and don’t pose a serious health risk. However, any sudden changes in the size, shape, or consistency of a lipoma, or the onset of pain, should prompt immediate medical attention.

Although most lipomas are solitary, some people may develop multiple lipomas at the same time. This condition, known as lipomatosis, can cause a more generalised thickening or lumpiness of the skin, particularly on the arms and legs.

Lipomas are common benign tumours of adipose tissue, but the exact reasons why they form are not completely understood. They are thought to result from an overgrowth of fat cells in a localised body area, but what triggers this overgrowth is unclear.

Genetic Factors

Lipomas often run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to their development. Some genetic conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, Gardner syndrome, and Madelung disease, are associated with an increased risk of developing lipomas.

Trauma

Some research suggests that trauma or injury to a specific area can lead to the formation of a lipoma. The theory is that the trauma may trigger the overgrowth of fat cells which results in a lipoma. However, this theory has not been definitively proven and is still under investigation.

Hormonal influences

Some studies have suggested that hormones could play a role in lipoma development. It has been observed that certain lipomas may grow during pregnancy or under the influence of hormones, suggesting a possible link.

Obesity and diet

While lipomas can occur in people of all body types, there appears to be a higher prevalence of lipomas in individuals who are overweight or obese. This could be due to the fact that lipomas are composed of fat cells, and increased body fat could contribute to their formation. The role of diet in lipoma formation is not clear, but a diet high in fats may potentially contribute to their development.

Despite these theories, it’s important to note that anyone can develop a lipoma at any time, and having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop a lipoma. Further research is needed to understand the causes and risk factors for lipoma development fully.

A lipoma, a non-cancerous growth of fatty tissue, doesn’t typically pose a significant health risk and rarely transforms into a cancerous growth. However, there might be several reasons why you’d consider having a lipoma removed:

Aesthetic considerations

If a lipoma grows to a considerable size (called giant lipomas) or is located in a visible area such as your neck, face, or arms, it could affect your appearance, and thus, you might opt for surgical removal.

Discomfort or pain

Although lipomas are generally painless, they can sometimes exert pressure on surrounding tissues as they grow, causing discomfort or pain. If a lipoma is causing you pain, it would be a good reason to consider having it surgically removed.

Unusual changes

If a lipoma starts growing rapidly, becomes painful suddenly, or shows signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, warmth), it may need to be investigated further. These changes could indicate complications or a different type of growth, and surgical removal might be recommended for diagnostic purposes.

The surgical technique used to remove a lipoma largely depends on its size and location.

First Consultation at Centre for Surgery

The diagnosis of a lipoma is often based on physical appearance and characteristics, requiring only a physical examination by one of our surgeons. Additional medical tests are typically unnecessary unless the lipoma is situated deeply beneath the skin. In such cases, radiological imaging, such as a CT or MRI scan, may be needed.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, you will discuss the treatment options with your surgeon to decide if lipoma liposuction or excision surgery is the most suitable option for you.

The Day of Lipoma Surgery

Lipoma removal is generally a day case procedure, meaning you can typically go home on the same day as your surgery. However, if your lipoma is located in a sensitive area, you may need to stay longer for monitoring. Most patients can return home a few hours after their surgery.

Before the operation, your surgeon will advise you on any necessary alterations to your medication regimen, such as temporarily discontinuing any blood-thinning medications. Fasting from food and drink the night before your procedure is also typically required if you have general anaesthesia or IV sedation.

Following your lipoma excision surgery, a friend or family member must be available to take you home, as the lingering effects of sedation may prevent you from driving.

If you’ve decided to have your lipoma removed, there are two main treatment options available to you, which our surgeons will help you navigate: lipoma excision surgery and liposuction.

Lipoma Excision Surgery

The most common method for removing a lipoma is through surgical excision. In this procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the skin covering the lipoma, then carefully separates the fatty tissue from the surrounding tissues and muscles. The aim is to remove the lipoma in one piece, a process known as ‘en bloc’ removal.

Once the lipoma has been excised, the cavity is closed, and the edges of the skin are stitched together. If the lipoma is large, resulting in excess skin, this surplus skin will be trimmed away to optimise the cosmetic result.

Depending on the size and location of your lipoma, this procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Larger lipomas, deep-seated lipomas, or those in more difficult locations such as the face or neck typically require general anaesthesia. Smaller lipomas in more accessible locations can be removed under local anaesthesia.

The recurrence rate after surgical excision of a lipoma is low, estimated to be around 1-2%. However, if a lipoma does recur, surgical removal may need to be performed again.

Liposuction

Though less commonly used for lipoma treatment compared to surgical excision, liposuction is another option. This technique involves the use of a liposuction probe, a thin metal tube, which sucks out the fatty tissue of the lipoma through a small puncture in the skin.

The key advantage of liposuction for lipoma removal is that it results in less scarring, as the probe is introduced through a tiny puncture wound. However, liposuction is generally considered less successful than surgical excision in terms of achieving complete removal of the lipoma, and the recurrence rate is thought to be higher.

Some surgeons may combine the two techniques, using liposuction to reduce the size of the tumour initially, then introducing surgical instruments through the liposuction incision to remove any remaining fatty tissue. This method aims to achieve the thoroughness of surgical excision with the reduced scarring of liposuction.

The complete healing and recovery period following lipoma excision surgery typically spans around 3-4 weeks. However, this time frame can vary depending on the size and location of the lipoma.

Lipomas that are larger, situated deeply under the skin, or located in more inconvenient places, such as the inner thigh or hand, may require a longer recovery period.

In most instances, you should be able to return to work within 1-2 days following lipoma removal surgery. However, it’s advised that you abstain from engaging in sports or any strenuous physical activity for the first two weeks after the operation. This precaution is particularly important if your lipoma is located on your legs or feet to prevent any trauma and promote optimal healing.

Centre for Surgery offers an unparalleled level of care and expertise. Our clinic specialises in a wide range of surgical procedures, including the safe and effective removal of lipomas. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest standard of care in a comfortable and professional environment. Our state-of-the-art facilities, combined with our team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons, ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Our approach is patient-centred, ensuring that each individual receives personalised care tailored to their specific needs and goals. We understand that undergoing surgery can be a significant decision, which is why we strive to offer comprehensive support throughout the entire process – from initial consultation to post-operative care.

Patient Testimonials:

1. Emma’s Experience: “Choosing Centre for Surgery for my lipoma removal was the best decision I could have made. The team was incredibly supportive, and the care I received was beyond my expectations. My recovery was smooth, and the results are fantastic. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
2. Michael’s Journey: “From the first consultation, I knew I was in good hands at Centre for Surgery. The staff made me feel completely at ease, and the surgery went perfectly. My healing process was swift, thanks to the excellent post-operative care. I highly recommend Centre for Surgery to anyone considering lipoma removal.”
3. Sophie’s Story: “The professionalism and kindness shown by everyone at Centre for Surgery were remarkable. They took the time to answer all my questions and made sure I felt comfortable throughout my lipoma removal process. The outcome has been life-changing. A huge thank you to the entire team!”

Contact Details for Booking a Consultation:

• Phone: 0207 993 4849
• Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
• Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

For more information about our services and to book a consultation, please visit our About Us page.

Finance Options:

Understanding the financial aspect of surgery is crucial, which is why Centre for Surgery offers a variety of finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance. This makes the decision to proceed with your lipoma removal surgery both accessible and manageable.

Further Information:

For those seeking more in-depth information about lipoma removal or other plastic surgery procedures, our plastic surgery blog offers a wealth of resources. Additionally, our clinic FAQs provide answers to common questions and concerns, helping to prepare our patients for their surgical journey.

Visit Our Baker Street Clinic:

Our Baker Street clinic in London is designed to offer a welcoming and safe environment for all our patients. Detailed information about our facilities and how to prepare for your visit can be found on our Baker Street clinic page.

Choosing Centre for Surgery for your lipoma removal surgery means opting for excellence in care, expertise, and patient satisfaction. Contact us today to embark on your journey towards a healthier, more confident you.