The Skin & Joint Injection ClinicLipoma removal · Wirral
Lipoma Removal in Wirral
Surgical excision of suitable benign lipomas.
Surgical excision of suitable benign lipomas.
A careful, considered approach to your skin
Finding a soft lump under the skin is unsettling, even when you already suspect it is benign. Many people first notice a lipoma because a partner spots it, a shirt sits differently over it, or a seatbelt presses on it on a long drive. The lump itself is usually harmless, but the question it raises is rarely small.
At our private clinic in Wirral we examine the lump, confirm whether it has the features of a typical lipoma, and discuss whether surgical removal is the right step for you. Where it is clinically appropriate, suitable subcutaneous lipomas are excised under local anaesthetic in our minor surgery suite by a GP with specialist interest in minor surgery. We treat adults aged 18 and over.
Standard lipoma removal in Wirral
From£450
Includes consultation, the procedure itself, sutures and aftercare. £200 for each additional lesion in the same session. Facial lipoma removal is £650.
A lipoma is a benign tumour of mature fat cells encapsulated within a thin fibrous covering. Typical features include:
A soft, rubbery, sometimes doughy feel
Mobility under the skin when pushed gently
Slow growth over months or years
Usually painless
Lipomas can appear anywhere with subcutaneous fat, most often on the upper back, shoulders, arms, trunk, neck and thighs. Some people have multiple lipomas (multiple lipomatosis); in that situation we discuss which are most worth treating.
A typical lipoma on the upper arm: a soft, mobile lump under the skin.
Suitability
When lipoma removal may be considered
Surgical removal is often considered when a lipoma is:
Enlarging, especially when growth is accelerating
Painful or tender
Sitting under a clothing or seatbelt line and causing repeated irritation
Cosmetically prominent, for example on the upper back, neck or forearm
Pressing on a nerve or bony point and causing discomfort with certain postures
Removal of asymptomatic, slowly-growing lipomas for cosmetic reasons is not usually covered on the NHS, which is why many people choose private excision.
Your visit
Assessment and suitability
At consultation we examine the lump, confirm features that are compatible with a benign subcutaneous lipoma, and check the location, size and depth. We ask about any growth pattern, pain, or change in the overlying skin.
Suitability for outpatient excision is decided on the day. Lipomas that are very large, deep to the muscle fascia, growing rapidly, painful, fixed, or near major nerves and blood vessels may not be suitable for office-based removal and may benefit from NHS ultrasound or specialist surgical referral first. If we have any uncertainty, we will not proceed and will guide you on the appropriate NHS route.
The procedure
How lipoma removal is carried out
The standard approach is surgical excision of the lipoma together with its capsule. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in our purpose-built surgical suite.
The area is cleaned and sterile drapes applied
Local anaesthetic is infiltrated around the lipoma
An incision is made over the lump in the line of the natural skin creases where possible, to support a more discreet scar
The lipoma is freed from the surrounding tissue and lifted out
The wound is closed in layers with absorbable sutures inside and a fine skin suture, and a dressing is applied
Procedure time depends on the size and depth of the lipoma, typically 30–60 minutes. The removed tissue may be sent for histopathology where clinically appropriate; this is discussed and agreed at consultation.
Aftercare
Recovery and aftercare
Most people return to office-based work after 1–2 days. Recovery from a lipoma excision is generally a little longer than for skin-surface lesions because deeper tissue is involved. We provide written aftercare instructions covering:
Keeping the dressing clean and dry for 24–48 hours
Avoiding heavy lifting, gym work and contact sport for 2–3 weeks
Avoiding swimming and saunas until the wound is fully healed
Pain relief: paracetamol is usually sufficient
Signs of infection or wound haematoma to look out for
Surface sutures are typically removed at 7–14 days; absorbable deep sutures dissolve over several weeks.
Honest about risks
Risks and limitations
The risks are discussed in full at consultation and depend on the location and size of the lipoma. In general they include:
A scar. Usually this is a fine line scar, but a noticeable mark cannot be excluded and a scar-free result cannot be promised
Wound bleeding or a small collection of blood under the wound (haematoma)
Wound infection
Temporary or, rarely, permanent altered sensation around the wound
Recurrence if any fragments of lipoma tissue remain
An unexpected histology result requiring further specialist input
Important safety information
When to seek urgent assessment
Please see your NHS GP urgently, or use NHS 111, for any soft-tissue lump that is:
Larger than 5 cm or growing rapidly
Hard, fixed to deeper tissue, or attached to bone
Painful, especially with night pain
Associated with unexplained weight loss, fevers or feeling generally unwell
Pulsating or with overlying skin colour change or ulceration
Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare but can mimic lipomas. These features warrant NHS imaging and specialist assessment rather than private outpatient removal.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a consultation in Wirral
Our private clinic in Higher Bebington, Wirral serves patients from across Merseyside, including Liverpool, Birkenhead, Heswall and Chester. We examine the lesion in person before discussing whether removal is the right choice for you.
Assessment, treatment and aftercare, clearly explained.
We know it can feel difficult to book a procedure when you are not sure what will happen next. Your clinician will explain suitability, risks, recovery and aftercare before treatment goes ahead.
Book
Choose a consultation online or speak to the clinic if you are not sure which service fits. Most appointments are available within seven days.
Assessment
An in-person review with Dr Mugerwa: he will listen to your story, examine the area and walk through what is going on.
Plan
An honest recommendation. If treatment is suitable we will explain the options, risks and likely outcomes. If it is not, we will tell you and refer you on.
Treatment
The procedure itself, followed by tailored aftercare guidance and a clear contact route if anything changes during recovery.
“I was absolutely terrified about having a lipoma removed on my forehead, even though I really wanted it gone. I was put at ease from the start of the procedure to remove it and had everything explained to me throughout. I didn't feel anything during the surgery. I'm so happy with the results a week on. The scar is so neat and I'm sure it'll be unnoticeable in time.”
Frequently asked
Your questions, answered
Are lipomas cancerous?
Lipomas themselves are benign. A rare related condition called liposarcoma can look similar but tends to grow more rapidly, be firmer and deeper. We screen for features that should prompt NHS imaging rather than private removal, and refer back to your GP if we are uncertain.
Can a lipoma come back?
Recurrence is uncommon when the lipoma is removed in its entirety with its capsule. If small fragments are left behind, regrowth at the same site is possible, and we will discuss this with you in your specific case.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes. Lipoma removal is performed under local anaesthetic. You will be awake but the area is fully numbed. You will feel pressure and tugging but should not feel sharp pain.
I have several lipomas. Can they all be done in one visit?
Sometimes more than one small lipoma in nearby areas can be addressed in the same visit, depending on the total operating time and the volume of local anaesthetic needed. We plan this together at consultation.
How much does lipoma removal cost?
Fees depend on the size, depth and number of lipomas. Please see the pricing page for current rates.
