A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) lump of fatty tissue that grows just beneath the skin. While generally harmless, lipomas can be bothersome because of their size, location, or appearance, and may cause discomfort if they press on nearby structures. This guide explains what lipomas are, their symptoms and causes, and the treatment options for safe, effective removal.
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A lipoma is a slow-growing, soft mass made of fatty tissue. These lumps are typically movable and painless, and they are the most common type of benign soft-tissue growth. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body but are most often found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, or thighs.
A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that usually feels smooth and moves easily under the skin, whereas a cyst is a sac filled with fluid or keratin and often feels firmer. The two are commonly confused — if you're unsure which you have, our cyst guide explains the differences. You can also read more on lipomas by the NHS.
Lipomas are usually identified by how they look and feel under the skin:
While lipomas are usually harmless, rapid growth or a change in appearance should be assessed by a specialist.
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
Although lipomas are benign, removal may be appropriate or desired for several reasons:
There are several safe, effective ways to remove a lipoma, depending on its size, location, and your preferences:
Private lipoma removal starts from £695 — see full pricing and book lipoma removal in Edinburgh.
Lipoma removal is typically a straightforward day procedure under local anaesthetic. After the specialist examines the lipoma — and arranges imaging or a biopsy if needed — the area is cleaned and numbed, the lipoma is removed by excision or another method, and you're given aftercare guidance. Most procedures take less than an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the lipoma.
In some cases the removed lipoma is sent for pathology (laboratory) testing — usually if it has unusual features or has changed in appearance — to confirm it is benign and guide any further treatment. For full preparation and recovery guidance, read our what to expect page.
You should seek specialist advice if a lipoma is growing rapidly or changing in appearance, causes pain, discomfort, or limits movement, or if you'd simply like confirmation that the lump is benign.
Plastic surgeons are uniquely equipped to deliver the best cosmetic outcome. With advanced training in skin surgery and aesthetics, they can minimise scarring and achieve a more natural-looking result. At Skin Surgeons Edinburgh, every procedure is carried out by Dr Kazem Nassar, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, at the Waterfront Private Hospital.
A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth made up of fatty tissue. These lumps are usually soft to the touch, can be moved slightly under the skin, and are generally painless. They can develop anywhere on the body but are most often found on the torso, neck, upper thighs, arms, and armpits.
Lipomas are usually harmless, but removal may be advisable if one causes discomfort, grows larger, or leads to cosmetic concerns. If there is any uncertainty about whether the lump is a lipoma or something more serious, removal and further analysis may be recommended.
The main options are surgical excision — the most common method, where the lipoma is removed under local anaesthetic — and liposuction, which can suit larger or softer lipomas where a smaller scar is preferred.
Recurrence after removal is uncommon. When a lipoma is surgically excised it is removed completely, which significantly lowers the chance of it returning. New lipomas can still develop in other areas, however.
Recovery times vary with the method used. Surgical excision may need a few days of rest, while liposuction often allows a quicker recovery. You'll be given detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth healing.
As with any surgery, there are some risks, although they are generally minimal — they include infection, bleeding, or scarring. Your surgeon takes all necessary precautions to minimise these risks.
You'll have a consultation to discuss the procedure, the risks, and how to prepare. Preparation may include guidance on eating and drinking and any adjustments to your usual medications.
When you're ready to move from reading to treatment, our consultant-led service handles assessment and removal — often in a single visit. No GP referral required.
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Educational guides like this one for other common skin lumps: