Concierge minor surgery · London
Lipoma removal - London.
A lipoma is a benign, encapsulated tumour of mature fat cells: a soft, mobile, painless lump under the skin, usually 1 to 5 cm across, most often on the back, shoulders, neck, arms or torso. When one bothers you, a private day-case excision under local anaesthetic removes it in twenty to forty-five minutes and sends the specimen for histology.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A subspecialty consultant
A UK dermatologist or plastic surgeon matched to your lump, not a generalist on a list.
- 02
Booked in days, not weeks
Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London for same-week minor surgery.
- 03
Independent, and free
We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
What it is
A benign lump of mature fat cells.
A lipoma is a benign, encapsulated tumour of mature adipocytes. On examination it is soft, mobile, painless and slips easily under the fingertips, usually 1 to 5 cm across. The classic sites are the back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and torso, and most people have a single lump.
Some patients grow many. Familial multiple lipomatosis runs in families and produces dozens of small lipomas on the trunk and limbs. Dercum's disease is a rare condition of painful lipomas, usually in the middle-aged. Madelung's disease causes symmetrical fat deposition around the neck and upper back.
Standard lipomas are benign. Removal is a choice, not a necessity, but excision is straightforward and the specimen is always sent for histology.
Assessment
Examination first, imaging only if uncertain.
- Consultant examination by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is enough for most classic lipomas: soft, mobile, painless, under 5 cm and superficial.
- Ultrasound if the diagnosis is uncertain, to confirm a well-defined soft-tissue mass with typical fat echotexture.
- MRI when the lump is deep to fascia, over 5 cm, or has any atypical features, to exclude a well-differentiated liposarcoma before surgery.
- Referral back to sarcoma pathway if imaging is concerning. Rapid growth, deep site or size over 5 cm all raise suspicion.
Indicative pricing
What private lipoma removal costs in London.
Indicative all-inclusive ranges across our partner units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
Standard lipoma £550–£1,400. Larger or multiple £950–£2,200. Consultation only £150–£280.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard lipoma removal, under 5 cm, LA | £550–£1,400 | 20–30 min | Day case |
| Larger, deeper or multiple lipomas | £950–£2,200 | 30–60 min | Day case |
| Minimal-scar squeeze extraction, under 3 cm | £550–£950 | 15–20 min | Day case |
| Consultant consultation only | £150–£280 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| Histology (included in most quotes) | Included | — | 7–10 days |
NHS removal is free when ICB criteria are met, typically for lipomas over 2 cm, painful, or with diagnostic uncertainty. Cosmetic cases are private only.
The problem
The right technique, the right site, the smallest scar.
Most lipoma removals are simple. Getting a small scar and a complete excision is a judgement call that varies by operator.
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NHS thresholds are strict
NHS ICBs only fund lipoma removal above 2 cm, painful, or with diagnostic uncertainty. Cosmetic cases wait indefinitely.
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The right hands matter
Small-scar technique and complete capsule removal depend on operator experience, not hospital brand.
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Insurer wording is inconsistent
We check your policy, gather the medical evidence and handle preauth on your behalf.
The journey
From photo to histology - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through procedure, histology and follow-up.
- 01
Before
Send us photos and site
Location, size, duration of the lump and any pain or growth pattern.
- 02
Before
Match to a specialist
Dermatologist, plastic surgeon or GPwSI in minor surgery, depending on site and size.
- 03
Before
Preparation instructions
Blood thinner guidance and consent ahead of the day.
- 04
On the day
The procedure
Day-case under local anaesthetic. Small incision, blunt dissection, sutured closure.
- 05
On the day
Same-day discharge
Dressing and written aftercare. Home within the hour.
- 06
After
Histology report
Specimen sent to lab. Report at 7 to 10 days, sent to you and your GP with your consent.
- 07
After
Wound review
Suture check or removal at 7 to 14 days, scar review at 3 months.
When to remove
When lipoma removal is the right step.
Small, asymptomatic lipomas do not need to come out. These are the situations where surgery is a reasonable choice.
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Cosmetic concern
Visible lump on the neck, shoulder or arm.
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Size over 5 cm
Larger lipomas restrict movement and warrant histology.
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Painful angiolipoma
Tender on pressure, often on the forearm.
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Uncertain diagnosis
Firm, fixed or rapidly growing lump needs excision.
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Restricting movement
Lipoma on the back or under a bra strap.
Techniques
Four ways to take a lipoma out.
Size, site and cosmetic priority drive the choice. Bigger lumps need bigger incisions; deeper lumps need imaging first.
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Squeeze extraction
5 mm nick, minimal scar. Suits soft lipomas under 3 cm.
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Open excision
Standard technique. Small incision, blunt dissection, single-layer closure.
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Liposuction-assisted
For very large or lobulated lipomas where a long scar is unwanted.
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Endoscopic removal
Remote incision for cosmetic-sensitive areas such as the face or upper arm.
Open excision
The standard technique. Local anaesthetic, a small incision over the lump, blunt dissection to shell out the encapsulated lipoma intact, and single-layer closure with dissolvable sutures under a small dressing. Twenty to forty-five minutes. Recurrence under 5%.
Squeeze extraction
A minimal-scar alternative for soft lipomas under 3 cm. A 5 mm nick is made over the lump, the capsule is bluntly freed and the fatty core is expressed. The scar is very small but recurrence is slightly higher because fragments of capsule can be left behind.
Liposuction or endoscopic
Liposuction-assisted removal suits very large or lobulated lipomas where a long scar is unacceptable. Endoscopic removal through a remote incision suits cosmetic-sensitive areas: face, upper arm, brow. Both trade slightly higher recurrence for a smaller scar.
Where it is done
A small panel of London minor-surgery units.
We match you to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or GPwSI in minor surgery at one of the following centres. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
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Cadogan Clinic Minor Surgery, Chelsea
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Cranley Clinic, Harley Street
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London Dermatology Centre
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HCA The Wellington, Plastic Surgery
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Chelsea and Westminster Private
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Skin Surgery London
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Private GP with GPwSI in minor surgery
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Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna
Recovery and safety
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Recovery is quick. Most patients return to office work the next day. Avoid heavy lifting or the gym for a week if the lipoma was on the arm or shoulder. There are usually no restrictions otherwise.
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Cancer risk
Lipomas are benign. Liposarcoma is rare, considered only for lumps over 5 cm, deep to fascia, or growing quickly.
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Scar
Small linear scar the length of the incision. Fades over 6 to 12 months. Minimal-scar techniques for select cases.
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Recurrence
Under 5% after complete excision of the capsule. Higher after squeeze extraction or liposuction-assisted removal.
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Bruising and seroma
Common for a week. Larger lipomas may leave a temporary fluid pocket that settles.
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Infection
Under 2%. Kept dry for 48 hours, then normal showering.
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Time off work
Back to a desk the next day. Avoid gym and heavy lifting for 1 week if on the arm or shoulder.
Reading your notes
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre performs the procedure, the report keeps to the same shape. Histology follows at 7 to 10 days.
- 01 Header
Indication and consent
Why the lump was removed, what was consented and any relevant history.
- 02 Findings
Operative note
Site, size, depth, whether the capsule was intact, closure technique and sutures used.
- 03 Histology
Laboratory report
Confirmation of benign lipoma. Any variant such as angiolipoma or spindle-cell lipoma named.
- 04 Impression
Summary and next step
Read this first. Bottom line, aftercare and any recommended follow-up.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy wording. Symptomatic, large or diagnostically uncertain lipomas are usually funded.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about lipoma removal.
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Can a lipoma turn into cancer?
Standard lipomas are benign and do not turn into cancer. The concern is liposarcoma, a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that can mimic a lipoma. Any lump over 5 cm, deep to fascia, painful without pressure, or growing quickly warrants imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and excision with histology to exclude it.
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Will I have a visible scar?
Yes. A small linear scar the length of the incision, usually 1 to 3 cm depending on lipoma size. Scars fade over 6 to 12 months. Minimal-scar squeeze extraction through a 5 mm nick is available for soft lipomas under 3 cm on the trunk or limbs, and endoscopic remote-incision techniques suit cosmetic-sensitive areas.
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Is lipoma removal covered by UK private medical insurance?
Sometimes. Most insurers class removal of an asymptomatic lipoma as cosmetic and exclude it. Cover is usually approved when the lipoma is painful, over 2 cm, restricting function, or where histology is needed to exclude sarcoma. We check your policy wording and handle preauth before you commit.
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Can several lipomas be removed on the same day?
Yes. Two to four small, well-spaced lipomas can be removed under local anaesthetic in a single 45-minute list. Larger numbers, or lumps clustered on the trunk, are staged over two visits to keep the local anaesthetic dose within safe limits and to make aftercare easier.
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Will the lipoma grow back?
Recurrence is under 5% when the whole capsule is shelled out through open excision. It is higher after squeeze extraction or liposuction-assisted removal, where small pieces of capsule can be left behind. We will discuss the trade-off between scar size and recurrence risk at your consultation.
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I get very anxious about procedures. Can I have sedation?
Yes. Most lipomas come out comfortably under local anaesthetic alone, but oral or intravenous sedation is available if you prefer, and general anaesthetic is offered for very large lipomas or where several are being removed at once. The choice affects the fee and the venue, and we will quote both options.
Ready when you are
Book private lipoma removal in London this week.
Send us a photo, the site and rough size. We will match you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, quote firm figures across two or three London units, and handle insurer preauth on your behalf.
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