Lipoma Removal in Bristol
Lipoma Removal in Bristol
Lipoma Removal by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that develop beneath the skin. They’re almost always benign, but they can grow, become uncomfortable, or simply be something you’d rather not have. At The Lagom Clinic, lipoma removal is carried out by Mr Alex Trevatt (GMC: 7412103, MRCS) — a plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience. Having an in-house plastic surgeon means even complex or cosmetically sensitive lipomas are handled with surgical precision, resulting in cleaner outcomes and minimal scarring.
We operate a one-stop model: you come straight in for your surgery — no separate GP consultation needed beforehand. If you’d like us to assess your lipoma first, simply email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll confirm the approach and price.
How lipoma removal works
Lipoma removal is a straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic. You’ll be awake but the area will be completely numb. The surgeon makes a small incision, carefully separates the lipoma from the surrounding tissue, and removes it intact — including the capsule, which reduces the chance of recurrence. The wound is then closed with sutures.
- Use our online booking portal or call our office to book your surgery slot.
- Select ‘Minor Surgery Simple Lesions’ for lipomas under 6cm, or ‘Minor Surgery Complex Lipomas’ for larger lipomas or those on the head or neck.
- Email a photo of the lipoma to info@thelagom.co.uk beforehand so we can plan the procedure and confirm pricing.
Most lipoma removals take between 30 and 60 minutes. You walk in and walk out on the same day.
On the day of your appointment
When you arrive, the surgeon will examine your lipoma, discuss the procedure, and ask you to sign a consent form. The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic — you won’t feel pain, though you may feel some pressure or movement during the removal.
Once the lipoma is out, the wound is closed carefully. Mr Trevatt uses advanced suture techniques to minimise scarring — particularly important for lipomas in visible areas. We’ll apply a dressing and give you clear aftercare instructions before you leave.
If pathology is recommended, the tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory. Results are typically available within 10–14 days, and we’ll contact you to discuss the findings.
Lipoma removal pricing
Lipoma Removal Fees
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Simple Lipoma Removal £650
For lipomas under 2cm, that are not on the face, head, or neck. Includes the consultation, removal under local anaesthetic, closure, and follow-up stitch removal.
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Complex Lipoma Removal £900
For lipomas under 4cm and on the head, or neck. Includes the consultation, removal under local anaesthetic, closure, and follow-up stitch removal.
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Complex Lipoma Removal £1,500
For lipomas over 4cm or on the head, neck, or previously operated sites. Requires more intricate dissection and closure. Same walk-in, walk-out convenience.
Other Fees
Pathology
£195 — We recommend pathology for any lipoma with unusual features: rapid growth, firmness, deep attachment, or if there’s any diagnostic uncertainty. The tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory for histological examination to confirm it’s benign and rule out rarer conditions like liposarcoma.
Follow Up
All follow-up is included in the price. If you need to return for stitch removal or a wound check, there is no additional charge.
Subcutaneous Lipomas
The most common type — a soft, moveable lump sitting just beneath the skin. Usually found on the arms, torso, neck, shoulders, or back. These are almost always benign and grow slowly over months or years. Removal is straightforward and typically falls under our simple lipoma removal price.
Deep or Intramuscular Lipomas
Some lipomas grow within or beneath the muscle layer, making them firmer and less moveable than typical subcutaneous lipomas. These require more careful dissection to remove cleanly. We may recommend an ultrasound or MRI beforehand — arranged through our partnership with Nuffield Hospital Bristol — to plan the approach.
Multiple Lipomas
Some patients develop several lipomas across their body (a condition called lipomatosis). We can remove multiple lipomas in a single session where appropriate, and we offer a discount for multiple removals in one appointment. Email photos of all the lipomas to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll quote for the full set.
Head & Neck Lipomas
Lipomas on the head or neck are classified as complex due to the proximity of nerves and blood vessels, and because scarring in these areas is more visible. Having a plastic surgeon perform the removal is particularly valuable here — Mr Trevatt uses techniques specifically designed to minimise visible scarring in cosmetically sensitive areas.
When to Seek Assessment
Most lipomas are harmless, but you should seek assessment if the lump is growing rapidly, feels hard or fixed to deeper tissue, is painful, or is larger than 5cm. We also recommend pathology for any lipoma with atypical features to give you complete peace of mind. If you’re unsure, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll advise.
Book a Lipoma Removal
FAQs
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows beneath the skin. They’re made of fat cells enclosed in a thin fibrous capsule. Lipomas are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and tend to grow slowly over months or years. They’re one of the most common soft tissue tumours, and many people have more than one.
How much does lipoma removal cost?
Simple lipoma removal (under 6cm, not on the head or neck) costs £650. Complex lipomas (over 6cm, or on the head, neck, or previously operated sites) cost £1,500. Pathology analysis, if recommended, is an additional £195. All prices include the consultation, the procedure, and any follow-up stitch removal.
Do I need a GP appointment before surgery?
No. We operate a one-stop model — you come straight in for your surgery with Mr Trevatt or Dr Ogden. There’s no need to book a separate GP consultation first. If you’d like us to assess your lipoma beforehand, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll confirm the approach and price.
Is lipoma removal painful?
All procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area completely. You won’t feel pain during the removal, though you may feel some pressure or movement. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers for a day or two.
Will the removal leave a scar?
Any incision will leave some scarring, but because your removal is performed by a plastic surgeon, the incision is planned to minimise visible scarring — using skin tension lines, fine sutures, and precise closure techniques. Most scars fade significantly over 6–12 months.
How long does the procedure take?
Most lipoma removals take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the size and location. You walk in and walk out on the same day. We’ll provide aftercare instructions and book your follow-up appointment before you leave.
Can lipomas come back after removal?
Recurrence at the same site is uncommon when the entire capsule is removed, which is our standard approach. However, people who are prone to lipomas may develop new ones in different locations over time.
Can I drive after surgery?
As long as you are comfortable, you can drive safely after a lipoma removal procedure. However, if the lipoma was on your arm or hand and is affecting your grip, you may want to arrange alternative transport.
When can I return to work?
Most people can return to work immediately or the next day. However, this depends on the size and location of the lipoma and the nature of your job. For larger removals, or if your work involves heavy lifting, you may need a few days off.
How do I prepare for my surgery?
Preparation is straightforward. Eat normally before your appointment, wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area, and let us know about any medications you’re taking — particularly blood thinners. Avoid aspirin for a few days before surgery if possible. We handle everything else on the day.
Do you send the lipoma for testing?
We recommend pathology for any lipoma that has unusual features — rapid growth, firmness, or deep attachment. The tissue is sent to an accredited laboratory for histological examination. Results are typically available within 10–14 working days, and we’ll contact you to discuss the findings.
When should I be concerned about a lump?
Most lumps are harmless, but you should seek assessment if the lump is growing rapidly, feels hard or fixed to deeper tissue, is painful, or is larger than 5cm. If you’re unsure, email a photo to info@thelagom.co.uk and we’ll advise whether removal or further investigation is recommended.
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