The short answer
Most lipomas are harmless, soft, slow-growing fatty lumps that do not need removing. People choose removal when a lipoma is large, painful, in an awkward place, growing, or bothering them. Any lump that is hard, fixed, painful, growing quickly, deep, or bigger than about 5cm should be examined, and sometimes scanned, before anything is cut out.
Book lipoma removal, from ₦200,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
What a lipoma is
A lipoma is a lump of fat cells under the skin. It feels soft or rubbery, moves slightly under your fingers, and usually does not hurt. They are common on the shoulders, back, neck, arms and thighs, and some people have several. They are not cancer and do not turn into cancer.
Good reasons to remove one
- It is large, or growing, and you want it out before it gets bigger
- It hurts, or presses on something when you sit, carry a bag or wear a bra strap
- It is in a visible place and affects how you feel
- You are worried about it and want it looked at under a microscope
When to get it checked first
A small number of lumps that look like lipomas are something else. See a doctor, and expect an ultrasound or other scan, if the lump:
- Is bigger than about 5cm
- Feels hard, or does not move when you push it
- Is growing quickly, or is painful
- Lies deep in the muscle, especially in the thigh
- Has come back after being removed
What the operation involves
Most lipomas are removed under local anaesthetic as a day case. The surgeon makes a cut over the lump, frees it and lifts it out, then stitches the skin. Larger or deeper lipomas may need a general anaesthetic. The lump is usually sent to the laboratory to confirm what it is.
Expect a scar about the length of the lump. On dark skin, scars can thicken, and people prone to keloids should tell the surgeon, especially for lumps on the chest, shoulders and upper back, where keloids are more common.
After removal
Most people go home the same day and return to desk work within a day or two. Keep the dressing dry for the first couple of days, then shower as your surgeon advises. Stitches are removed, or dissolve, after about one to two weeks depending on where the lump was. Avoid heavy lifting or stretching the area for a week or two if the lipoma was on the back or shoulder, where the skin pulls when you move.
Some swelling and bruising is normal. A wound that becomes hot, red, more painful or leaks pus, or a fever, needs a review the same day. The laboratory result usually comes back within a couple of weeks, and your surgeon will go through it with you.
What not to do
Do not try to squeeze, cut or burn a lipoma, and avoid creams or injections sold to 'melt' lumps. A lipoma is not a boil: it has nothing to drain, and home attempts cause infection and scarring.
What it costs on Mezo
Day case. Histology included.
Common questions
Will my lipoma turn into cancer?
No. Lipomas do not become cancer. A rare fatty cancer called liposarcoma can look similar, which is why large, hard or fast-growing lumps are checked first.
Can a lipoma go away on its own?
Usually not. Most stay the same size or grow slowly. Losing weight does not usually shrink them.
Will it come back after removal?
It is uncommon for a fully removed lipoma to return, but new ones can appear elsewhere.
How much is lipoma removal on Mezo?
Lipoma removal is from ₦200,000. Size and depth affect the final figure, so a written all-in quote follows the surgeon's examination.
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Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.