Lipoma Removal in Brisbane
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing lump of fat that sits in a soft capsule just beneath the skin. They are one of the most common soft-tissue lumps and are almost always benign. Lipomas feel soft and rubbery, move easily under the finger, and are usually painless. They can appear almost anywhere — most often on the shoulders, back, neck, arms and trunk.
How a lipoma is diagnosed
Most lipomas are diagnosed clinically. Dr Goutham examines the lump and takes a history of how long it has been there, whether it has changed in size, and whether it is painful. A typical lipoma feels soft, mobile under the finger and is not tender.
Not every soft-tissue lump under the skin is a straightforward lipoma. Any lump that feels firm, is fixed to the deeper tissue, is growing quickly, or looks or behaves unusually is not assumed to be benign — Dr Goutham arranges further assessment first, which may include an ultrasound to look at the lump's size, depth and characteristics before deciding on the best next step. Removing the lump and sending it for pathology testing remains the only way to be completely certain of the diagnosis.
Do lipomas need to be removed?
Many lipomas can simply be left alone and watched. Removal is worth considering when a lipoma:
- is uncomfortable, tender or pressing on nearby structures;
- is catching on clothing or in an awkward, visible spot;
- is growing, has changed, or is larger than about 5 cm;
- is causing worry, or the diagnosis is not completely certain.
How a lipoma is removed
Most lipomas are removed as a straightforward minor procedure, often under local anaesthetic so you are awake but comfortable. Dr Goutham makes a small incision over the lump, removes the fatty tissue together with its capsule (which lowers the chance of it coming back), and closes the skin neatly with sutures. Larger or deeper lipomas may be done under a short general anaesthetic as day surgery. Either way, the tissue is sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis.
Getting ready for lipoma removal
Preparation for lipoma removal is usually simple, but a few things are worth flagging before your procedure. If you take blood-thinning medication, tell Dr Goutham beforehand — never stop anticoagulants unless your treating team gives you a clear plan. For larger or deeper lipomas being removed under a short general anaesthetic, the same general day-surgery preparation applies: following the fasting instructions you are given, reviewing your regular medicines, and stopping smoking beforehand where possible to support wound healing. Dr Goutham's rooms will confirm exactly what applies to your procedure.
Recovery and scarring
Recovery is usually quick. You can generally go home straight away and return to light activity within a day or two, avoiding heavy lifting or stretching the wound for a couple of weeks. Any removal leaves a small scar, which is placed and closed carefully and fades over the following months. Dr Goutham reviews the wound and your pathology result at a follow-up appointment.
Risks of lipoma removal
Lipoma removal is a routine, low-risk procedure. As with any surgery, possible risks include bleeding, infection, bruising, a small fluid collection (seroma) under the wound, and a visible scar. If the lipoma sits close to a nerve, there is a small chance of temporary numbness in the area nearby. Removing the fatty tissue together with its capsule lowers the chance of the lump coming back, though recurrence remains possible. Serious complications are rare. Dr Goutham will discuss the risks relevant to your particular lipoma before you decide whether to go ahead.
Why choose Dr Goutham for lipoma removal
- ✓Careful assessment first — any lump is properly examined, not assumed to be a simple lipoma.
- ✓Choice of anaesthetic — local anaesthetic for most lipomas; a short general anaesthetic for larger or deeper ones.
- ✓Tissue sent for pathology — every removal is confirmed with testing, so you have a definite answer.
- ✓Careful wound closure — placement and closure are done with scarring in mind.
- ✓Direct surgeon access — before and after your procedure.
- ✓Known-gap fees — confirmed in writing before you book.
What it costs
A clear, known-gap fee — confirmed in writing
When a lipoma is removed for a medical reason, a Medicare rebate usually applies and most patients have only a small, capped known gap (a modest out-of-pocket cost), confirmed in writing before you book. Every case is different — the size, depth, number of lipomas and the type of anaesthetic all affect the fee — so we give you an itemised quote first, with no pressure to proceed.
About the surgeon & fees: Dr Goutham Sivasuthan — UQ MBBS, AHPRA MED0002000354. Fees apply only to procedures personally performed by Dr Goutham. Each case is assessed individually and all costs are confirmed in writing beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
The great majority of lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) and harmless. Occasionally a fatty lump that is large, deep, growing quickly or painful needs to be removed and examined under the microscope to be certain — which is exactly what Dr Goutham arranges. Removal with histology gives you a definite answer.
Not always. A small, soft, painless lipoma that is not changing can simply be watched. Removal is worthwhile if it is uncomfortable, catching on clothing, growing, in an awkward spot, or if there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis.
Most lipomas are removed as a minor day procedure under local anaesthetic. Dr Goutham makes a small incision over the lump, removes the fatty tissue whole, and closes the skin with sutures. Larger or deeper lipomas may need a short general anaesthetic.
Any removal leaves a small scar, placed and closed carefully to keep it as neat as possible and, where practical, hidden in a skin crease. Most scars fade considerably over the following months.
When a lipoma is removed for a medical reason (symptoms, growth, or diagnostic certainty), a Medicare rebate usually applies and most patients have only a small, capped known gap. We confirm every fee in writing before you book.
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon, GESA-accredited — June 2026 · AHPRA MED0002000354.
Have a lump you would like checked?
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan can assess a lipoma or soft-tissue lump and, if needed, remove it as a minor day procedure across Brisbane and Redland.
(07) 3333 5518 · enquiry@upperedgesurgery.com.au · About Dr Goutham
★ 5.0 on Google · AHPRA MED0002000354 · Brisbane · Redland · Moreton Bay · Logan
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Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane and Redland — care close to home, wherever you are.
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