Lipoma removal (fatty lumps)
A lipoma is a benign collection of fat cells beneath the skin. We remove lipomas surgically under local anaesthesia when they bother you, are growing, or for cosmetic reasons.
Written and medically reviewed by Bahir Hadi, specialist in surgery, PhD
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a soft, mobile lump under the skin made of mature fat cells. A confirmed lipoma is benign by definition. The real question is therefore not how often lipomas are benign, but whether the lump really is a lipoma. Lipomas grow slowly over years and are most common on the back, shoulders, arms and thighs.
When should the lump be assessed further before removal?
Some fatty lumps need imaging, and sometimes a sarcoma pathway, before a routine outpatient removal is planned. That applies to lumps larger than about 5 cm, lumps lying deep to the fascia, rapidly growing lumps, firm or fixed lumps, and lumps causing pain or nerve symptoms. In those cases we consider ultrasound or MRI and refer on if anything suggests the lump is not a lipoma.
When should it be removed?
- Rapid growth or new pain.
- Size larger than 5 cm.
- Bothersome (pressing on a nerve, rubbing against clothing).
- Diagnostic uncertainty – the lump must first be assessed for whether it is a lipoma at all.
- Cosmetic reasons.
How is the procedure done?
Performed under local anaesthesia through a small incision over the lump. The surgeon aims to remove the lipoma complete with its capsule, when that is safe and relevant. The wound is closed with sutures that are removed after 10–14 days. How long it takes depends on the size and site of the lump and the extent of the procedure, and we tell you individually.
After the procedure
- You can go home immediately.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a week.
- You can shower after 48 hours.
- It is our clinic procedure to send removed tissue for microscopic examination whenever it matters for the diagnosis.
Complications
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, haematoma, scarring and recurrence. The risk depends on the size and site of the lump, and we go through it with you beforehand.
Contact and appointments
Online booking is not available. Please call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral, so we can find the right appointment.
If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
Frequently asked questions
What is a lipoma?+
A lipoma is a soft, mobile lump under the skin made of mature fat cells. A confirmed lipoma is benign by definition; the question is whether the lump really is a lipoma. Lipomas grow slowly and are most common on the back, shoulders, arms and thighs. Lumps larger than about 5 cm, deep, rapidly growing or firm and fixed lumps should be assessed further before routine removal.
When should a lipoma be removed?+
A lipoma should be removed in case of rapid growth, new pain, size larger than 5 cm, diagnostic uncertainty (to rule out liposarcoma), or if it is mechanically or cosmetically bothersome.
How is the removal performed?+
Under local anaesthesia through a small incision over the lump. The surgeon aims to remove the lipoma complete with its capsule. How long it takes depends on the size and site of the lump and the extent of the procedure, and is given to you individually.
When can I be active again?+
The procedure is done as a day case, and when you can go home is assessed from the anaesthesia and how things went. Advice on exercise, showering, work and suture removal is not the same for every procedure; you are given specific instructions that fit the site, size and closure of your wound.
Can the lipoma come back?+
Recurrence can occur; the risk depends partly on whether the diagnosis is correct and whether the lesion can be removed completely. New lipomas may also develop elsewhere, particularly with a hereditary disposition (familial lipomatosis).
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Contact information
- Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund
- +45 39 64 01 25
- mail@kirurgen.dk
- Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
For referring physicians
Provider number: 215430