Lipoma Removal

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign growth of fat cells that sits just beneath the skin. Lipomas feel soft and doughy, move easily under the finger, and grow slowly over months or years. They are the most common soft-tissue lump in adults and are not cancerous. Most are painless and are removed because they are growing, catching on clothing, sitting somewhere visible, or simply unwanted.

What causes a lipoma?

The cause is not fully understood. Lipomas run in families in a proportion of cases, and can appear after a knock or injury. They are most common between the ages of 40 and 60.

• Family history — a genetic tendency is common
• Age — most often diagnosed between 40 and 60
• Previous injury to the area in some cases
• Rarely, part of an inherited condition causing multiple lipomas

Lipoma or something else? Why assessment matters

Most soft lumps under the skin are lipomas — but not all. Sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts and, rarely, other soft-tissue tumours can present in a similar way, which is why every lump should be examined by a clinician rather than self-diagnosed. Please book an assessment promptly if a lump is growing quickly, becomes hard or fixed, is painful, or the skin over it changes. Where appropriate we arrange an ultrasound scan, and we send removed tissue for histology to confirm the diagnosis.

How lipoma removal works at our Lurgan clinic

Consultation and assessment

• A clinician examines the lump and takes a history
• Ultrasound imaging arranged on site where it is helpful
• We agree the approach and give you a clear price before proceeding

The procedure

• Carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case
• A small incision is made and the lipoma removed in full, including its capsule where possible
• The wound is closed with stitches and a dressing applied
• The tissue is sent for histology to confirm the diagnosis

Aftercare and recovery

• You go home the same day
• Keep the wound clean and dry; we give written aftercare advice
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise while it heals

Will there be a scar?

Removing a lipoma requires an incision, so some scarring is expected. The size of the scar relates to the size of the lipoma and where it sits. Your clinician will discuss the likely result before you decide, and will place the incision to keep the mark as discreet as is practical.

Lipoma removal cost

Cost depends on the size and site of the lipoma, whether imaging is needed, and the complexity of the removal. You will be given a clear price at consultation before anything goes ahead. Prices are for guidance only and depend on the procedure recommended by your consultant.

Where to find us — Lurgan, Limavady & L/Derry

Minor surgical procedures are carried out at Friends Medical Services, Southside Healthcare, 41 High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8AH, with further clinics in Limavady (Bovally Medical, Edenmore Road, BT49 0TE) and L/Derry (Quayside Medical, 82–84 Strand Road, BT48 7NN). Patients travel to us from across Craigavon, Portadown, Banbridge, Armagh, Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland area, and we welcome cross-border patients from the Republic of Ireland.

Why choose Friends Medical Services

• Procedures carried out by experienced clinicians, not technicians
• No long waiting lists — appointments usually available quickly
• Clear, up-front pricing agreed before your procedure
• ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 accredited (Lurgan site)
• Rated 4.96 out of 5 by verified patients on Doctify