Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under the skin. They are non-cancerous (benign) and are caused by an overgrowth of fat cells. They can grow anywhere in the body where there are fat cells, but are usually seen on the:
• Shoulders
• Neck
• Chest
• Arms
• Back
• Buttock
• Thigh
They feel soft and ‘doughy’ to touch and range from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across. They grow very slowly and don’t usually cause any other problems.
Occasionally, lipomas can develop deeper inside the body, so you won’t be able to see or feel them.
Lipoma Removal Prices
| Online Consultation – if you would like to book straight in | Click Here |
| Consultation with Nurse | FREE |
| Surgical Removal | from £350 |
| Per Additional Surgical Removal | £200 |
Who carries out this procedure
Who gets lipomas?
Lipomas are fairly common, with about one in 100 people developing them. It’s unusual to develop more than one or two lipomas, unless you have a rare inherited condition called familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes lipomas to develop all over the body.
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if you develop a growth or swelling on your body. They can examine it and confirm whether it’s a lipoma.
When a lipoma is pressed, it should feel smooth and soft, like rubber or dough. It may move about under the skin.
If there’s any doubt, your GP may recommend that you have an ultrasound scan or a biopsy.
You should also see your GP if you have a lump that:
• is getting bigger
• is painful
• feels hard
• grows back after it’s been removed
In this case, your doctor will want to rule out other types of lump.
Lipoma Removal
if you would like a Lipoma removed, this is not something that is usually carried out by the NHS.
We can remove Lipomas at our registered medical clinics in Guiseley and Harrogate by surgical excision.
Is it a Lipoma or a Cyst?
A Cyst is a sac under the skin that contains fluid and can look like a lipoma. Here’s how to tell the difference:
• Cysts are close to the skin surface, whereas lipomas are deeper under the skin
• Cysts are firm to the touch, whereas lipomas are soft, mobile and dough-like
• With certain cysts, the skin may be inflamed (red and swollen), but it isn’t with lipomas
An ultrasound scan can easily identify lipomas and cysts. If your lipoma is bigger than a golf ball (5cm or about 2 inches) and painful, ask your GP to arrange an ultrasound scan. You can then decide whether you would like it removing privately.
