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Lipoma and cyst removal
lipoma removal · fatty lump removal · sebaceous cyst removal · skin cyst removal
A surgeon removes a soft lump under the skin through a small cut, with local numbing. The tissue is usually sent to a lab to be checked under a microscope.
If the lump grows, gets in the way, hurts, becomes inflamed, or looks bad to you.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 60 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Check. First the surgeon examines the lump. Sometimes an ultrasound is done to see its size and depth.
- Tests. For a small removal, tests are often not needed. If they are, your clinic will give you the list.
- On the day. You can usually eat. Take a shower and do not put cream on that area.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ultrasound report, if you had one
How it goes
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic
- Numbing injections are given, and the area goes numb
- The surgeon makes a small cut
- The lipoma or cyst is removed whole, with its capsule, so it does not come back
- Stitches and a dressing are put on
- The tissue is sent to the lab
What you'll feel
- The numbing injections sting for a few seconds
- After that, touching and pulling, but no pain
- In the evening the area may ache
Afterwards
- Keep the dressing dry and clean, as the doctor told you
- No sauna or hard exercise for a couple of days
- Stitches are usually removed after 7 to 14 days
- The lab result comes in 1 to 2 weeks
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Bleeding that does not stop when you press on it
- Strong swelling, redness, pus, or a fever. These are signs of infection
Common questions
What is the difference between a lipoma and a cyst?
A lipoma is a soft lump of fat tissue. A sebaceous cyst is a sac in the skin with thick contents. They are removed in a similar way.
Can a fatty lump come back?
If it is removed whole with its capsule, it usually does not come back in the same place. New ones can appear elsewhere.