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What Is a Lipoma?

Skin cyst in the chest area

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that develops beneath the skin due to a local overgrowth of fat cells. They are usually slow-growing, mobile and painless, and can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the trunk, arms, legs, shoulders, head or neck.

Although lipomas are benign (non-cancerous), people often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or because the lump is becoming more noticeable. In some cases, a lipoma can cause discomfort if it grows large or begins pressing on a nearby nerve. Patients occasionally ask, “Can a lipoma hurt?” While most do not, discomfort can occur depending on its size and location.

Lipomas do not usually disappear on their own. In many cases, they slowly increase in size over time. For these reasons, many patients choose to have them professionally removed to prevent further growth, relieve symptoms or restore confidence in their appearance.

About Dr Ahid Abood

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - How we can help

Dr Ahid Abood is a dual-board certified consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon with private clinics in Marylebone, London and Cambridge. Alongside his private practice, he is actively involved in teaching at the University of Cambridge and holds several senior leadership positions within the NHS.

Achieving consultant status within the NHS typically requires more than a decade of specialist training after qualifying as a doctor. Dr Abood currently serves as the Clinical Lead for Major Trauma Reconstruction for the East of England and is a core member of the regional Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, reflecting his advanced expertise in complex reconstructive surgery as well as cosmetic procedures.

He studied undergraduate medicine at the University of Cambridge before completing his clinical training at Imperial College London. His surgical expertise was further developed through a series of highly competitive fellowships in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in the UK and internationally, providing him with a broad and advanced foundation across both reconstructive and cosmetic disciplines.

Dr Abood is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and is a member of leading professional organisations, including the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These memberships demonstrate his ongoing commitment to the highest professional, ethical and clinical standards in plastic surgery.

He has published more than thirty-five peer-reviewed research papers and contributed chapters to specialist textbooks on cosmetic surgery. His research into minimal-scar techniques for skin cancer removal earned him an MSc with Distinction, underscoring his commitment to innovation, patient safety and evidence-based surgical care.

His areas of specialist expertise include:

  • Reconstructive microsurgery for trauma and cancer patients
  • Management of all types of skin cancer, including sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Advanced scar refinement techniques
  • Cosmetic surgery, including body contouring and abdominoplasty

What our patients think

Your Lipoma Removal Journey

1. Book
2. Consultation
3. Procedure
4. Aftercare Support

Your Consultation at our London Clinic

Book a consultation in Harley Street, London

If you are considering lipoma removal near you and want expert care in central London, a consultation with Mr Ahid Abood on Harley Street is the ideal first step. As an NHS consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating benign skin growths, including lipomas, cysts, skin tags and other lesions.

During your consultation:

  • The lipoma will be carefully examined
  • Your medical history will be reviewed
  • The recommended treatment approach will be explained
  • Any questions, including “Can a lipoma hurt?” or “Do I need further testing?” — will be addressed

You are welcome to bring someone with you if that helps you feel more at ease. Clinical photographs may be taken with your consent as part of your confidential medical record.

There is never any pressure to proceed immediately; the consultation is an opportunity to make an informed and comfortable decision.

What to Expect During the Lipoma Removal Procedure

Book a consultation in Harley Street, London

Lipoma removal on Harley Street is a simple, quick and precise procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic. This means the area is numbed, but you remain awake and comfortable throughout.

Anaesthetic

In most cases only a local anaesthetic is required. A general anaesthetic is usually only needed if the lipoma is very large or in certain anatomical positions.

Surgical Excision

Once the skin is numb:

  1. A small incision is made directly over the lipoma.
  2. The fatty lump is gently removed in its entirety.
  3. The incision is closed with stitches for neat healing.

The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Removing the lump in one clean piece gives immediate results and greatly reduces the chance of recurrence.

Stitches are usually removed around 5 days after treatment.

Most lipomas require no further treatment once fully excised.

Aftercare and Healing

Recovery after lipoma removal is usually very straightforward. You can return home shortly after the procedure and, in most cases, resume work the next day.

During recovery, you may experience:

  • Mild swelling or bruising
  • Tenderness around the incision
  • A small dressing over the wound

These effects are temporary and typically settle within a few days.

You will be given clear, personalised aftercare instructions, including how to look after the wound, when to return for stitch removal, and which activities to avoid until healing is complete. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible cosmetic result.

Questions & Answers about Lipoma Removal in London

What are lipomas?

A lipoma is a soft fatty lump that appears under the skin surface, caused by the overgrowth of fat cells.

 

Why choose lipoma removal surgery in London?

Most lipomas are not painful, and so in most cases, patients choose surgical removal for cosmetic reasons.

Patients may opt for lipoma removal surgery if they feel self-conscious about the appearance of lipomas and suffer harm to their self-esteem as a result.

This is especially common if patients suffer from unsightly or very large lipomas, or if they have a prominent location on the head or neck.

Will lipomas go away on their own?

It is fairly common for lipomas to continue to grow if they are not treated.

Therefore, we recommend contacting our clinic to discuss your options regarding lipoma removal by surgical excision.

Do you use local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic during lipoma removal?

The majority of lipomas can be removed under local anaesthetic however if very large or in certain anatomical areas a general anaesthetic may be preferable.

What is recovery like after the surgery?

Recovery time following lipoma removal surgery is minimal. You will be able to return home the same day, and you should be able to return to work the day after surgery.

Very few lipomas tend to require further treatment.

How can I arrange a consultation about my lipoma treatment plan in London?

Please contact us directly to book an appointment for a free initial consultation, so you can discuss your treatment options with a doctor.

We also offer a full range of other services, such as wart removal, removal of skin tags, and non-surgical treatments. To learn more about the treatment of these skin conditions, please get in contact with our team today!

How To Reach Our Clinic in Harley Street, London

Directions

Dr Ahid Abood’s London clinic is based in the heart of Marylebone at:

9 Harley Street
Marylebone
London
W1G 9QY

We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and closed at weekends.

Harley Street is well served by public transport and is within easy walking distance of several Underground stations:

  • Bond Street (Elizabeth & Central lines) – around 1 minute’s walk
  • Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line) – around 3 minutes’ walk
  • Great Portland Street (Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City lines) – around 6 minutes’ walk
  • Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central & Victoria lines) – around 7 minutes’ walk

If you are travelling by car, there are various public car parks and limited on-street parking options in the surrounding area, but these can be busy, so public transport is often the most convenient choice.

To arrange a consultation or ask any questions, please email enquiries@dr-abood.co.uk or call 0800 233 5088 to get in touch and arrange a consultation with us.

Harley Street, London: A Centre of Medical Excellence

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London is a city celebrated for its history, culture and world-class medical care. From renowned museums and theatres to its diverse restaurants and iconic landmarks, the capital offers something for everyone. As Samuel Johnson famously said, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

Harley Street sits in the heart of Marylebone and is recognised across the world as a leading centre for private medical expertise. For generations, it has been home to highly respected surgeons, consultants and specialists, making it one of the most trusted healthcare destinations in the UK.

Our London clinic is located on Harley Street, where patients benefit from a discreet, professional environment supported by advanced facilities and experienced medical teams. Whether you are visiting for lipoma removal or another minor procedure, Harley Street offers the reassurance of exceptional care in one of London’s most distinguished medical districts.

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