Lipoma Removals

Sentinel Healthcare CIC provides expert private lipoma removal for patients across Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, North Devon and South East Cornwall. Our experienced clinicians assess and remove benign lipomas using safe, effective minor surgical procedures carried out in a modern clinical setting.

Whether your lipoma is causing discomfort, affecting your confidence, restricting movement, or has become increasingly noticeable, our experienced GP clinicians can assess the lump and advise whether removal is the most appropriate treatment.

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that develops beneath the skin. Lipomas are made up of an overgrowth of fat cells and are benign (non-cancerous). They are one of the most common types of soft tissue lump and, in most cases, are completely harmless.

Lipomas typically feel soft and “doughy” to the touch and can usually be moved slightly beneath the skin. They often grow slowly over many years and can range in size from a small pea to several centimetres across.

They most commonly develop on the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Chest
• Arms
• Back
• Buttocks
• Thighs

Occasionally, lipomas can develop deeper beneath the skin, making them less noticeable or harder to feel.

Why Do Lipomas Develop?

Lipomas are relatively common and affect approximately 1 in 100 people.

The exact cause is not fully understood, although they often run in families. Most people develop only one or two lipomas during their lifetime. Rarely, some people inherit a condition called familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes multiple lipomas to develop across the body.

When Should a Lipoma Be Removed?

Many lipomas do not require treatment and can simply be monitored.

However, you may wish to consider private lipoma removal if your lipoma:

• Is becoming larger.
• Causes pain or discomfort.
• Restricts movement.
• Catches on clothing.
• Is in a prominent location and affects your confidence.
• Causes uncertainty about the diagnosis.

During your consultation, our clinicians will assess your lipoma and discuss whether removal is appropriate.

Lipoma Removal Procedure

Small and medium-sized lipomas can usually be removed under local anaesthetic as a straightforward day procedure.

The area is carefully numbed before a small incision is made over the lump. The lipoma is then removed and the wound is closed using stitches to encourage the best possible cosmetic result.

Most procedures are completed during a single appointment, allowing you to return home shortly afterwards with full aftercare advice.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment includes both your consultation and, where clinically appropriate, treatment on the same day.

Your visit typically includes:

• Assessment of the lump.
• Discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Lipoma removal where appropriate.
• Local anaesthetic for your comfort.
• Wound closure and dressings.
• Aftercare advice and follow-up recommendations.

Where clinically appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histology (laboratory analysis) for additional reassurance. We will share the results with both you and your GP if this is required.

Why Choose Sentinel Healthcare CIC?

Our private lipoma removal service is delivered by experienced GPs with Extended Roles (GPwERs) and Associate Clinicians with extensive expertise in dermatology and minor surgery.

Your fixed treatment price includes:

• Initial consultation.
• Minor surgical procedure.
• Modern clinical facilities.
• Experienced nursing support.
• Local anaesthetic.
• Dressings and consumables.
• Histology where clinically appropriate.
• Follow-up correspondence to you and your GP.

We pride ourselves on providing prompt appointments, high standards of patient care and excellent clinical outcomes.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Although lipomas are almost always harmless, every new lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

You should arrange an assessment if a lump:

• Is increasing in size.
• Becomes painful.
• Feels hard rather than soft.
• Changes in appearance.
• Returns after previous removal.
• Causes concern or uncertainty.

If your clinician believes the lump requires further investigation rather than routine removal, we will explain our findings and recommend the appropriate referral pathway. Your health and safety will always come first.