Understanding, Diagnosing & Removing
Benign Lumps
SOFT, SLOW-GROWING LUMPS BENEATH THE SKIN - WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A LIPOMA REMOVED?
Lipomas are one of the most common benign (non-cancerous) soft-tissue lumps. While they are usually harmless, some people choose to have them removed due to discomfort, increasing size, changes in appearance, or cosmetic concerns. At Queensland Skin and Laser in Spring Hill, our medically-led team provides thorough assessment and surgical removal when appropriate, with a focus on safety, precision, and patient comfort.
Lipoma removal at Queensland Skin and Laser is typically straightforward with high patient satisfaction, minimal scarring, and very low recurrence rates, helping you feel confident and at-ease about your treatment.
What Is A Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign growth made up of fatty tissue. Lipomas typically develop just beneath the skin and feel soft, rubbery, and mobile when touched. Lipomas often grow slowly over several years and are most commonly found on the shoulders, back, arms, thighs, abdomen, or trunk. Many people only notice them because they can be seen or felt as a visible lump.
Lipomas are not skin cancers and, in most cases, do not pose a health risk. However, assessment is recommended if a lump is changing, painful, or concerning, as not all lumps are lipomas.
Soft, moveable, and slow-growing fatty lumps under the skin.
A lipoma sits beneath the skin, within a fatty layer.
Why do some people develop fatty tumours?
What Causes Lipomas?
Why do some people develop fatty tumours?
The exact cause of lipomas is not always known. Hoever, research suggests that genetics, minor trauma, and family history can play a role. Lipomas are more common in adults and tend to develop gradually over time. Lipomas are not caused by lifestyle, diet, or infection, and they are not contagious.
Book a bulk-billed skin check to assess a lump or bump.
Book a consultation for diagnosis and safe, effective Removal of Lipomas
How Are Lipomas Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a medical skin lesion examination. During your examination, your doctor will assess the lump’s size, texture, mobility, and behaviour over time. In most cases, a lipoma can be diagnosed clinically. However, your doctor may recommend biopsy if:
- The lump is firmed of fixed
- It is rapidly enlarging
- It is painful
- It lies deeper beneath the muscle
- The diagnosis is uncertain
If excision is recommended, the removed tissue if often sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis.
Safe and Effective Treatment Options
Lipoma Removal
Surgical lipoma removal when medically recommended - or by choice.
While harmless, some people elect to remove lipomas because of discomfort, rubbing under clothing, cosmetic concern, or uncertainty about the diagnosis. At Queensland Skin and Laser, surgical excision is the primary treatment. This involves carefully removing the lipoma under local anaesthetic through a small incision. The goal is to remove the lump and surrounding capsule to help prevent regrowth.
Procedures are performed in-clinic with minimal downtime. Your doctor will explain the process, expected scarring, and aftercare before proceeding.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.
Lipoma Removal Process
at Queensland Skin and Laser
From consultation to recovery - what to expect
Consultation & Diagnosis
Your experience begins with a detailed consultation, where your doctor examines the lump and discusses your concerns, medical history, and whether removal is recommended. You will be guided through the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
Your doctor will confirm whether the lump is likely to be a lipoma. If removal proceeds, the tissue may be sent for pathology testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic in the clinic. A small incision is made over the lump, and the lipoma is gently excised. Stitches are applied to close the wound, and a dressing is placed to support healing.
Aftercare & Results
Mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort is normal for a short period. Your doctor will advise you on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up. Scar generally fade over time and most patients are pleased with the result.
Results and recovery vary between individuals. Your doctor will discuss your specific cirumstances during the initial consultation.
What Can I Do To Prevent Lipomas?
There is currently no proven way to prevent lipomas, as they tend to develop spontaneously. However, professional assessment is recommended if a lump:
- Grows
- Feels painful
- Changes in texture or shape
- Appears suddenly
- Feels unusually firm
Early assessment ensures appropriate diagnosis and peace of mind.
Risks and Side Effects of Lipoma Treatment
Lipoma excision is generally safe, however, all procedures carry some risk. These may include:
- Bleeding or bruising
- Wound infection
- Rare scarring
- Recurrence of the lump
- Discomfort during healing
Your doctor will discuss potential risks and side effects prior to treatment so you can make an informed decision.
Cost of Lipoma Assessment & Removal
At Queensland Skin and Laser, your initial lipoma assessment is bulk-billed. Medicare card holders pay non-out-of-pocket costs. However, lipoma removal surgery itself is not bulk-billed. That said, Medicare rebates always apply, which means a portion of the surgical fee is rebated, reducing your final out-of-pocket expense. The exact cost depends on the size, number, and location of the lipoma, as well as the complexity of the procedure.
Before scheduling treatment, your doctor will provide a clear breakdown of all fees, including your Medicare rebate amount and estimated gap, so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Choose Queensland Skin and Laser
for Lipoma Removal?
At Queensland Skin and Laser, our clinic is medically-led, meaning your care is guided by experienced doctors who prioritise accurate diagnosis, safety, and natural-looking results. We provide compassionate care in a welcoming environment, with bulk-billed assessment available.
Expert-Led
Care
Led by Dr. Mark Chernoff, a seasoned physician with expertise in skin cancer detection, general and cosmetic dermatology, and advanced laser therapies, the clinic ensures high standards of care across all treatments.
Advanced
Technology
Queensland Skin and Laser integrates state-of-the-art laser systems, HIFU, RF needling, and photodynamic therapy, offering the latest in skin rejuvenation, tightening, and sun damage treatment.
Patient-Centred,
Boutique Experience
Patients experience a personalised, boutique environment where their concerns are met with unmatched professionalism and dedicated care.
Complimentary Cosmetic
Consultations
Clients receive a free consultation with the clinic’s cosmetic nurses, making expert skin advice accessible without upfront costs.
Flexible Payment
Plans
Offering weekly payment options through Zip Pay, the clinic ensures financial flexibility for both cosmetic and medical treatments.
Trusted Reputation
and Certifications
As a Fellow of the RACGP, an accreditation assessor, and an experienced dermatology professional, Dr. Chernoff and his team are recognised for their commitment to high standards, safety, and patient well-being.
Meet Dr Mark Chernoff
BSC (EXHP), MBBS (MELB), FRACGP, MFIN, CFTP
Dr Mark Chernoff earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology, followed by a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Melbourne in 2010. He began his postgraduate career at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, specialising in general and plastic surgery.
Dr Chernoff serves as a Visiting Medical Officer in Emergency Medicine and works as a general practitioner in rural NSW. With extensive experience in skin cancer surgery, medical laser treatments and cosmetic medicine, he also contributes to medical education by supervising registrars for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
How To Book
To book an appointment, click the button above, call 07 3544 6425, or email admin@qldskinandlaser.com.
Find us here:
- Level 2 – 445 Upper Edward St
Spring Hill QLD 4000
Frequently Asked Questions About
Lipomas & Lipoma Removal
Are lipomas dangerous or cancerous?
No, lipomas are benign fatty growths and are generally not dangerous. However, any new lump should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis. If a lump grows rapidly, becomes painful, or feels firm, medical assessment is important to rule out other causes. If you have concerns about a lump, book a bulk-billed skin check at Queensland Skin and Laser.
Do lipomas need to be removed?
Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort, functional issues, cosmetic concern, or there is uncertainty about the diagnosis. Many patient choose lipoma removal for peace of mind or quality-of-life reasons.
Will a lipoma grow back after removal?
Lipoma recurrence is uncommon but can occur is small remnants of the capsule remain. Your doctor will aim to remove the lipoma completely to reduce this risk.
Is lipoma removal painful?
Removal is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is numbed. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward is normal and usually settles quickly.
Can lipomas become cancerous?
True lipomas do not transform into cancer. However, some rare tumours can mimic lipomas in appearance, which is why professional evaluation is recommended – especially if a lump changes or grows.
How do I know if a lump is a lipoma or something else?
A medical examination is the safest way to confirm the cause of a lump. While lipomas are soft and mobile, other conditions – including cysts or rare tumours – may feel similar. If you are unsure, arrange an assessment with our GP-led team at Queensland Skin and Laser.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
If you have any queries about Lipomas or Lipoma Removal in Brisbane, please complete the form below and we will get back to you shortly.
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