Lipoma removal

This refers simply to the surgical removal (cutting out) of a mole or “lump & bump” on the skin. The resultant wound is usually then put back together with stitches (sutures) but in some cases the lump/mole may be ‘shaved’ off and stitches are not required. There have also been instances of a dermatologist or doctor freezing a mole before removal.

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic (with you awake and the skin numbed by giving an injection with a needle – just like at the dentist). This is a quick and simple procedure with a short recovery period which will be thoroughly explained to you.

The operation itself may take between 15 – 60 minutes, depending upon what is being removed. You will be in the operating theatre for slightly longer than this to prepare for the surgery process and have the injection of the local anaesthetic.

Aftercare following the surgery will see the wound being dressed with brown micropore tape. This can get wet (showering or washing) but you should not soak in the bath. You will be able to shower the day after surgery, after which you can pat the tape dry with a towel then use a hairdryer. It is important to ensure the tape is fully dried. This will stay in place until after your stitches are removed. Mr Banwell may give you antibiotics in some instances.

You will be able to return to sedentary activity (i.e. an office job) the following day, but should avoid strenuous physical activity for a minimum of 2-weeks. Stitches are removed between 1 and 2 weeks after the surgery. If your lump was shaved off then you will just leave the dressing to fall off in time.

You will be able to drive the following day if you are careful. If the operation was on your face or head, it is important not to bend down or lift things for 48-hours after the operation – this is to minimise the risk of bleeding (for example, when doing up shoe laces, bring your foot up whilst sitting down, rather than bending down). It is also a good idea to use a couple of pillows when sleeping to avoid laying flat. This helps minimize swelling and there may be redness and scarring.

This is a safe, reliable and simple procedure with a low complication rate.

These include wound infection, bleeding (usually just bleeding through the dressing), pain, numbness, damage to nerves and vessels, delayed wound healing and the formation of a lumpy scar (known as a hypertrophic or keloid scar). A further problem occasionally encountered is “suture spitting” – this refers to the deeper dissolvable stitches coming out of the wound often after several weeks (and rarely months) after the surgery.