Surgical Lipoma Removal in Cardiff

Lipoma removal by experienced surgeon for patients across South Wales

Google 4.9 star rating for Excel Clinic Cardiff - private surgery and dermatology
Award badge stating 'Excellence Award in Skin Surgery and Dermatology 2-25 - Wales'
Award badge stating 'Best Private Medical Clinic in Wales'

Lipoma Removal - At A Glance

Duration

30-60 mins
Longer for larger lipomas

Anaesthesia

Local Anaesthetic

Return to Work

Same or next day (office)

Full recovery

1-2 weeks

Private Lipoma Removal in Cardiff

Lipomas are benign fatty lumps that can become uncomfortable, restrict movement, or cause cosmetic concern as they grow.

At Excel Clinic, we provide surgeon-led lipoma removal in Cardiff, offering safe excision under local anaesthetic for patients across South Wales — including larger or more complex lipomas that may not be suitable for GP-level minor surgery. NHS treatment for lipomas is often limited, subject to long waiting times, or declined when removal is considered cosmetic, leading many patients to seek private care.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that develops beneath the skin.
They are usually:

  • Soft and doughy to touch

  • Slow-growing

  • Painless (though large ones can cause discomfort)

  • Found on the back, shoulders, arms, thighs, abdomen, or neck

While lipomas are harmless, many patients choose removal because of:

  • Increasing size

  • Pain or pressure

  • Restricted movement

  • Cosmetic concerns

  • Diagnostic certainty

Lipoma diagram

When should a lipoma be removed?

Lipoma removal is recommended if the lump:

  • Is growing or very large

  • Causes pain, pressure, or nerve symptoms

  • Restricts movement or clothing

  • Is cosmetically distressing

  • Causes anxiety or uncertainty about diagnosis

  • Has been declined elsewhere due to size or complexity

We routinely remove large lipomas, including those greater than 10 cm, which often require surgical expertise beyond GP-level minor surgery.

Why Choose Excel Clinic?

Surgeon-led lipoma removal

All procedures are performed by an experienced surgeon, ensuring appropriate assessment, technique, and wound closure.

Experience with large and complex lipomas

We routinely remove larger, deeper, and long-standing lipomas, including cases often declined elsewhere or referred for hospital-based surgery.

Local anaesthetic, walk-in / walk-out

Many larger lipomas are managed in hospital under general anaesthetic. Where clinically appropriate, we offer surgical removal under local anaesthetic, allowing safe treatment without hospital admission.

Dedicated Aftercare Support

Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up are provided to support healing and minimise complications.

Meet your Surgeon

Mr Abu Feroz MBBS FRCS

All lipoma removal at Excel Clinic is performed by Mr Abu Feroz, an experienced surgeon with over 30 years’ operative experience in both NHS and private practice.

Alongside his NHS role at Royal Gwent Hospital, Mr Feroz regularly treats patients with large and complex lipomas, including cases often referred for hospital-based surgery. At Excel Clinic, many of these lipomas can be safely removed under local anaesthetic, avoiding the need for general anaesthetic where clinically appropriate.

He is known for careful assessment, precise surgical technique, and complete excision of the lipoma and its capsule — an important factor in reducing recurrence. His background in facial and cosmetic surgery also informs a meticulous approach to incision planning and wound closure, particularly for visible or sensitive areas.

Patients are assessed and treated directly by the operating surgeon, with clear explanations, realistic expectations, and structured aftercare.

Lead hernia surgeon

Removing large and complex lipomas

Many patients come to us after being told elsewhere that their lipoma is:

  • Too large

  • Too deep

  • Requires hospital referral

Our surgeon regularly removes:

  • Large lipomas, including those over 10 cm

  • Long-standing or enlarging lipomas

  • Lipomas in anatomically challenging areas (such as the back, shoulder, or thigh)

  • Previously attempted or recurrent lipomas

This level of treatment requires operative surgical experience, rather than standard minor-surgery training.

large lipoma on upper back

Your Lipoma Removal Journey

Where appropriate, lipoma removal can be planned as a one-stop service, with online assessment helping to streamline care before your visit.

1. Online enquiry & photo upload

Secure photo upload allows many lipomas to be assessed in advance, supporting a one-stop visit where appropriate. Face-to-face review is arranged if needed.

2. Assessment & treatment

Assessment and surgical excision are carried out by the surgeon under local anaesthetic, with careful removal of the lipoma and its capsule.

3. Aftercare & follow-up

Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up are provided to support healing and reassurance.

What happens during lipoma removal surgery?

  1. Assessment – The surgeon examines the lipoma, confirms suitability for removal, and discusses scar placement.

  2. Local anaesthetic – The area is fully numbed; you remain awake and comfortable.

  3. Surgical excision – The lipoma is carefully dissected and removed in full (including its capsule).

  4. Closure – The wound is closed with deep and surface sutures for the best cosmetic result.

  5. Aftercare – You go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions.

⚠️ Removing the entire lipoma capsule is essential to reduce recurrence — something inexperienced providers may not achieve with large lesions.

diagram showing lipoma removal surgery at excel clinic

Is lipoma removal safe?

Lipoma removal is a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon.

As with any surgery, potential risks include:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Bruising

  • Scar formation

These risks are minimised through appropriate surgical technique, sterile conditions, and clear aftercare — all standard practice at Excel Clinic.

Will my lipoma come back?

When a lipoma is removed completely, including its capsule, recurrence is uncommon.

Incomplete removal — which is more likely with larger lipomas or limited surgical exposure — increases the risk of regrowth.

Prices

Fees depend on factors such as size of the lipoma, location, depth and complexity:

Lipoma Removal (less than 3cm)

£850

Lipoma Removal (>5cm)

Contact us

Consultation only

£100

Histology

Occasionally, certain tissue samples may need to be sent for laboratory testing

£200

Our packages include Consultation, Surgery, Aftercare and Follow-up

Patient Reviews

I had a 4cm lipoma removed from my scalp. I filled out the online form on a Monday afternoon and had the procedure done the following evening. Excellent service and minimal scarring. I would highly recommend Excel Clinic to have any lipomas or cysts removed.
Tom r.
Swansea
Rated 5 out of 5
After being told elsewhere I would need surgery under general anaesthetic, Excel Clinic were able to treat me under local anaesthetic. Recovery was straightforward and the cosmetic result was excellent
Steve
Cardiff
Rated 5 out of 5
The surgeon was calm and professional. The lipoma was removed in one visit and there was very little discomfort. I’m really pleased with how well it has healed.
Sarah
Newport
Rated 5 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that develops under the skin. Lipomas are usually slow-growing and harmless but may cause discomfort, restrict movement, or cause cosmetic concern as they enlarge.

Yes. While larger lipomas are often listed for hospital surgery under general anaesthetic, many can be safely removed under local anaesthetic by an experienced surgeon, depending on their size, depth, and location.

Not always. Many lipomas can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging may be arranged if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the lipoma is deep or atypical.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated. Some mild discomfort or tightness can occur afterwards, which usually settles quickly.

Yes. Any surgical procedure leaves a scar, but incision placement and wound closure are planned carefully to minimise visible scarring. Scars typically fade over time.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days. Full healing depends on the size and location of the lipoma.

Recurrence is uncommon when the lipoma is removed completely, including its capsule. Incomplete removal increases the risk of regrowth.

Our clinic is based in Cardiff, and we regularly treat patients from Swansea, Bridgend, Newport, and across South Wales, as well as Bristol and the South West.

Many patients travel from across South Wales for our one-stop service, which often allows assessment and treatment in a single visit, reducing repeat appointments and time off work.

You’ll receive clear written aftercare instructions, and we provide dedicated post-procedure support, including direct WhatsApp access, should you have any concerns after surgery.

Pricing depends on the size, location, and complexity of the lipoma. A quote can be provided from online photo assessment. Clear, upfront pricing is provided following in person assessment. 

Want personalised advice? Book your Lipoma Removal Appointment today.

Contact Us

Book My Appointment

Please complete and submit your booking form below. You will be required to upload photo(s) of the lesion.  Once submitted, a member of the Excel team will shortly be in touch to take care of the rest!