Private Lipoma Removal in Bournemouth and Poole

A lipoma is a soft, slow-growing lump that forms just beneath the skin, made up of fatty tissue. They are the most common type of benign (non-cancerous) soft tissue growth and are harmless in the vast majority of cases.

Lipomas typically feel soft and doughy to the touch and move easily when pressed. They are usually painless, though they can occasionally cause discomfort if they press on a nearby nerve or grow in an awkward location. Most lipomas are small, usually less than 5cm across, though some can grow larger over time.

They can appear almost anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs. They tend to develop in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, though they can occur at any age.

A lipoma is not the same as a cyst. A cyst sits within the skin itself and may have a visible central point, whereas a lipoma sits deeper, beneath the skin, and feels smoother and more mobile.
If you have noticed a new lump or one that is changing, it is always worth having it assessed by a medical professional. Most lipomas require no treatment at all, but if yours is growing, causing discomfort or you simply wish to have it removed, our Consultant Dermatologists at Haven Medical can help.

NHS funding for lipoma removal is limited. In most cases, the NHS will only consider removal if a lipoma is causing significant medical problems, such as pain, restricted movement or pressure on a nerve. Cosmetic removal, or removal simply because the lump is bothersome, is not routinely funded.

Waiting times for those who do qualify can also be considerable. Private treatment at Haven Medical offers fast access to a Consultant Dermatologist, with appointments typically available within days and treatment carried out at a time that suits you.

Any surgical procedure will leave some degree of scarring. At Haven Medical, our Consultant Dermatologists use precise surgical techniques and careful wound closure to keep scarring to a minimum. The resulting scar is usually small and neat, and in most cases fades significantly over the months following the procedure to become barely noticeable.

The size of the scar will depend on the size and location of the lipoma. Your consultant will discuss what to expect at your initial appointment.

The NHS will only remove moles that are clinically necessary to remove, such as those suspected of being cancerous. Moles removed for cosmetic reasons or patient reassurance are not routinely funded, making private treatment the most practical option for most people.

Most patients recover quickly and comfortably. Some mild soreness, swelling and bruising around the treated area is normal for the first few days and usually settles without any need for further treatment. Sutures are typically removed after 7 to 14 days depending on where the procedure was carried out.

Most people are able to return to light daily activities and desk-based work within a day or two. If your work or lifestyle involves physical activity or heavy lifting, your consultant will advise on an appropriate timescale for returning to those activities.

Lipoma removal is a straightforward surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic in clinic. The area around the lipoma is numbed before the procedure begins, so you should not experience any pain during the removal.

A small incision is made over the lump, the lipoma is carefully separated from the surrounding tissue and removed, and the area is then closed with sutures. The procedure typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the lump, and you will be able to go home the same day.

For those wondering whether surgery is the only option, non-surgical alternatives such as steroid injections or liposuction do exist but are generally considered less reliable. Surgical removal remains the most effective way to fully remove a lipoma and reduce the chance of it returning.

The cost of lipoma removal will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the lump. Pricing is confirmed following your initial consultation, at which point your Consultant Dermatologist will have assessed the lipoma and discussed the most appropriate treatment approach.

To find out more or to get an idea of costs, please contact us directly or book a consultation at our Poole or Bournemouth clinic. We aim to make pricing clear and straightforward with no hidden fees.