Removing the entire lipoma capsule is essential to reduce recurrence — something inexperienced providers may not achieve with large lesions.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Lipomas
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that develops beneath the skin. Lipomas are the most common soft tissue tumour and are usually slow-growing, soft, and painless — though larger ones can cause discomfort or restrict movement. They are not dangerous but are commonly removed when they grow, cause symptoms, or cause anxiety about diagnosis.
Lipomas are benign and not dangerous. However a rapidly growing lump, one that feels hard or fixed, or one causing significant pain should always be assessed by a doctor to rule out other diagnoses. If you are uncertain about your lump submit photos for a free assessment and our surgical team will advise.
A lipoma is a fatty lump beneath the skin — soft, doughy, and mobile when pressed. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or keratin — usually firmer and sometimes with a visible central punctum (dark dot). Both are benign and removed surgically but the technique differs. If you are unsure which you have submit photos for a free assessment.
The Procedure
Lipoma removal typically takes 30–60 minutes under local anaesthetic. Larger or deeper lipomas may take longer. Your total time at Excel Clinic from arrival to discharge is usually 60–90 minutes — no overnight stay required.
Yes, in many cases. While larger lipomas are often referred for hospital surgery under general anaesthetic, many can be safely removed under local anaesthetic by an experienced surgeon. Dr Butt regularly removes lipomas over 8cm that have been declined elsewhere — each case is assessed individually and he will advise on the most appropriate approach for your specific lipoma.
Not always. Many lipomas can be often assessed by clinical examination and photo review alone. For larger lipomas — typically over 5cm — an ultrasound scan may be recommended before surgery to confirm the diagnosis, assess the depth, and plan the procedure safely. Our team will advise whether a scan is needed when you submit your photos.
Lipoma removal itself is not painful. The only discomfort is a brief stinging sensation from the local anaesthetic injection — this settles within seconds and the area is then fully numb before surgery begins. You may feel some pressure or movement during the procedure but no pain. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and well-managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
Recurrence after lipoma removal is uncommon when the lipoma is removed completely including its capsule. Incomplete removal — more likely with larger lipomas or limited surgical experience — increases the risk of regrowth. At Excel Clinic complete excision of the lipoma and capsule is our standard approach.
Access and Waiting Times
Lipoma removal is rarely funded by the HSE as lipomas are considered benign and non-urgent. Many patients are declined HSE treatment entirely. Where treatment is available waiting times typically range from 12 to 24 months. At Excel Clinic Dublin treatment is available within days to weeks of your initial enquiry.
No referral is needed. You can self-refer by submitting photos of your lipoma online with our quick and simple booking form. Our surgical team will review them, advise on suitability and whether a scan is required, and provide a quote before your appointment.
Yes — in most cases assessment and removal can be combined in a single visit. For smaller straightforward lipomas this is usually possible without any additional preparation. For larger lipomas over 5cm we recommend an ultrasound scan beforehand to confirm the diagnosis and plan the procedure safely — once this has been done the assessment and removal can still be completed in one appointment. Our team will advise on scan requirements when you submit your photos so everything can be arranged before your visit.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients recover within 2–4 weeks depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Days 1–3: keep dressing dry and rest. Week 2: sutures absorbed or removed and return to desk work. Weeks 3–4: return to most physical activities. Full healing and scar fading over 3–6 months.
Yes — all surgical procedures leave some mark. Incision size depends on the size of the lipoma. Our surgeon plans incision placement carefully and uses layered wound closure — deep and surface sutures — to achieve the neatest possible scar. Scars typically fade significantly over 3–6 months.
Lipomas have a characteristic appearance that is usually confirmed visually during the procedure itself. In the vast majority of cases tissue is not routinely sent for histological testing. If the surgeon has any doubt about the appearance of the tissue during removal — which is uncommon — a sample may be sent for laboratory analysis as a precaution. This will be discussed with you at the time. A histology fee applies in the rare cases where testing is required.
Pricing
Lipoma removal at Excel Clinic Dublin starts from €600, with the final price depending on the size, location, and complexity of the lipoma. All fees are all-inclusive covering consultation, surgery, anaesthetic, aftercare, and follow-up — no hidden costs. A quote is confirmed after photo assessment before your appointment.
If your assessment and surgery are completed in the same visit our one-stop service means no separate consultation fee is charged. If you attend for a consultation first and surgery is booked as a separate appointment, a consultation fee of €150 applies. This is not deductable from the surgical fee.
For larger lipomas — typically over 5cm — an ultrasound scan may be recommended before surgery to confirm the diagnosis, assess the depth, and plan the procedure safely. The scan is arranged through our partner clinic at a cost of approximately €170 (€150 for medical card holders). For patients travelling from outside Dublin the scan can be arranged at a clinic local to you — our team will advise and assist with this when you submit your photos.
Yes. Interest-free finance options are available subject to eligibility. Enquire at the time of booking for details.
Want personalised advice? Submit your photo and our minor surgery team will provide you with a quote.