Lipoma Removal in Brisbane
Removal of lipomas — benign fatty lumps under the skin — by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Surgical lipoma removal
A lipoma is a soft, benign (non-cancerous) lump of fatty tissue that grows slowly just under the skin. Lipoma removal is a straightforward day procedure in which Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, a Brisbane general surgeon, removes the whole lump through a small incision under local or general anaesthetic.
Lipomas are very common — they affect about 1 in 100 adults and most often appear on the shoulders, neck, back, arms or thighs. They are almost always harmless, but many people choose to have one removed because it is growing, getting in the way, tender, or simply unwanted. Removing the lipoma also allows it to be confirmed under the microscope, so you have certainty about the diagnosis.
What is a lipoma, and is it dangerous?
A lipoma is a benign tumour made of mature fat cells, sitting in a thin capsule between the skin and the muscle. It typically feels soft, smooth and rubbery, moves easily under the fingers, and is usually painless. Most lipomas are 1–5 cm across, though they can grow larger.
Lipomas are not cancer and very rarely become cancerous. The exact cause is not fully understood, but they tend to run in families and can appear at any age, most commonly between 40 and 60. Having one lipoma makes it more likely you will develop others.
Because a lipoma is benign, removal is usually a choice rather than a medical necessity. The main reasons it becomes a medical issue are when it grows large, presses on nearby nerves and becomes painful, or when the diagnosis is uncertain and needs to be confirmed.
When should a lipoma be removed?
It is reasonable to have a lipoma removed when it is causing a problem or when you would simply prefer it gone. Dr Goutham commonly removes lipomas that are:
- Growing — increasing in size over weeks or months.
- Painful or tender — particularly if it is pressing on a nerve or sits where it is constantly knocked.
- Large or visible — affecting comfort, clothing or appearance.
- In an awkward spot — such as the back, neck or a joint where it catches.
- Uncertain — a lump that is firm, fixed, rapidly growing or deep should be removed and tested to be sure it is a lipoma and nothing more concerning.
A lump that is hard, fixed to deeper tissue, growing quickly or larger than about 5 cm always warrants assessment, because these features occasionally point to something other than a simple lipoma.
How a lipoma is diagnosed
Most lipomas are diagnosed clinically — that is, by their typical soft, mobile feel during examination. For a small, classic lipoma no scan is needed before removal.
If a lump is large, deep, firm or in an unusual position, Dr Goutham may arrange an ultrasound (or occasionally an MRI) to confirm it is a lipoma and to see how deep it extends before planning surgery. Whatever the lump, the tissue removed at surgery is sent to pathology, which gives a definite diagnosis and rules out the rare fatty tumour that can mimic a lipoma.
What does lipoma removal involve?
Lipoma removal is a surgical excision: the whole lump, within its capsule, is removed through an incision over it. Removing the capsule completely is what keeps the recurrence rate very low.
- Small and superficial lipomas are usually removed under local anaesthetic in a treatment-room or day-surgery setting — you are awake, the area is numbed, and the procedure takes around 30–60 minutes.
- Large, deep or multiple lipomas, or those in delicate areas, may be removed under general anaesthetic on a day-surgery list for comfort and the best result.
The incision is closed with sutures and a dressing applied. In most cases you go home the same day. Dr Goutham plans the incision to be as small as the lump allows and to follow natural skin lines for a tidier scar.
Recovery after lipoma removal
Recovery after lipoma removal is usually quick. Most people are back to desk work and light activity within a day or two, with only mild soreness at the wound for several days.
- Keep the wound clean and dry as advised, usually for the first 48 hours.
- Sutures are generally removed at 7–14 days depending on the site.
- Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for about 2 weeks, or longer for a large excision, so the wound is not pulled apart.
- A larger cavity may occasionally collect a little fluid (a seroma), which settles on its own or is simply drained at review.
Follow our written post-operative care instructions and protect the healing scar from the sun. After complete removal, a lipoma does not usually grow back in the same place, though new lipomas can appear elsewhere if you are prone to them.
Not every lump is a lipoma
Several other lumps can feel similar to a lipoma. Sebaceous and epidermoid cysts, for example, are also soft lumps under the skin but arise from the skin itself and can become inflamed — these and other skin lesions are covered on our mole and skin lesion removal page. Pigmented or changing skin spots are different again and may need skin cancer assessment.
If you are not sure what your lump is, that is exactly what an assessment is for. Dr Goutham will examine it, arrange a scan if needed, and recommend whether it should be removed and tested.
Surgeon-led care for soft-tissue lumps
- ✓general surgeon. — lumps removed by a fully qualified surgeon.
- ✓Complete excision. — the whole capsule removed to keep recurrence under 5%.
- ✓Tissue always tested. — pathology confirms the diagnosis every time.
- ✓Local or general. — anaesthetic matched to the size and depth of your lump.
- ✓Tidy, planned scars. — incisions kept small and along skin lines.
- ✓Brisbane-wide. — consulting and operating across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
Lipoma removal FAQs
Is a lipoma dangerous or cancerous?+
No. A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fatty tissue and very rarely becomes cancerous. It is removed for comfort, size, appearance or to confirm the diagnosis rather than because it is dangerous. A lump that is hard, fixed or growing quickly should still be assessed to be sure.
How is a lipoma removed?+
A lipoma is removed by surgical excision — a small incision is made over the lump and the whole lipoma, within its capsule, is lifted out. The wound is then closed with sutures. Removing the capsule completely keeps the chance of it returning very low.
Is lipoma removal done under local or general anaesthetic?+
Small, superficial lipomas are usually removed under local anaesthetic while you are awake. Large, deep or multiple lipomas, or those in delicate areas, may be removed under general anaesthetic on a day-surgery list. Dr Goutham will recommend the safest, most comfortable option for your lump.
Does lipoma removal hurt?+
The procedure is not painful because the area is fully numbed. With local anaesthetic you may feel pressure but no sharp pain. Afterwards the wound is mildly sore for a few days, which simple pain relief manages well.
How long does it take to recover from lipoma removal?+
Most people return to light activity within a day or two. Sutures are removed at about 7–14 days, and heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for roughly 2 weeks (longer for a large excision) so the wound heals securely.
Will lipoma removal leave a scar?+
Yes, any excision leaves a scar, but Dr Goutham keeps the incision as small as the lump allows and places it along natural skin lines. Most scars fade significantly over 6–12 months, helped by good wound care and sun protection.
Can a lipoma grow back after removal?+
When the lipoma is removed completely, including its capsule, it does not usually grow back in the same place — recurrence is under about 5%. However, if you are prone to lipomas, new ones can still develop elsewhere over time.
How big can a lipoma get, and should I wait?+
Lipomas grow slowly and can range from under a centimetre to more than 10 cm. There is no harm in removing a small lipoma early, and doing so usually means a smaller incision and scar than waiting until it is large. A rapidly growing lump should be assessed promptly.
Do I need a referral to have a lipoma removed?+
A GP referral is recommended so you can access Medicare rebates and your GP stays informed. Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Goutham, or contact our rooms and we will guide you on the next step.
Is a lipoma the same as a cyst?+
No. A lipoma is a lump of fatty tissue, while a cyst is a fluid- or keratin-filled sac arising from the skin. They can feel similar but are managed slightly differently. If you are unsure which you have, an examination — and an ultrasound if needed — will clarify it.
Caring for South-East Queensland
Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home.
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.
Have your lump assessed
If you have a soft lump under the skin you would like removed or simply checked, Dr Goutham can assess it, arrange any scan needed, and remove it safely as a day procedure. Ask your GP for a referral or contact our rooms.
Lipoma removal in Brisbane — what to expect
A lipoma is a soft, benign (non-cancerous) lump of fatty tissue under the skin. Many are harmless and can simply be watched, but Dr Goutham Sivasuthan can remove a lipoma that is growing, uncomfortable, catching on clothing or bothering you cosmetically. Most are removed in a short day procedure under local anaesthetic, leaving a small scar.
Any lump that is enlarging, painful or changing should be assessed to confirm it is a simple lipoma and not something that needs further tests.
Cost: lipoma removal is offered on a known-gap basis — a small, capped out-of-pocket confirmed in writing before your procedure. See surgical fees & known-gap cover, read about Dr Goutham, or request an appointment.