All procedures carry risks, which may include: Infection Bleeding Scarring – hypertrophic scar, keloid scar and coloured scars. Recurrence (if the capsule is not completely removed). The chance of recurrence is around 5%. Delayed wound healing Temporary numbness around the site These will be discussed during your consultation.

Lipoma surgery, Treatment, Removal Sydney - Dr Peter Kim Surgery

Q: Can you remove more than one lipoma at a time?

Lipomas can be removed individually or multiple on the same day as the consultation under local anaesthesia. We do give a discount for multiple removals. Multiple lipomas surgically removed under local anaesthesia in one day.

Why Choose Dr Peter Kim?

Over 20 years of surgical experience

Approximately 1,000 minor surgical procedures performed each year

Published author in cosmetic and dermatological surgery

Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (2009)

Extensive experience treating cysts, lipomas, skin cancers and other skin lesions

Local anaesthetic procedures with minimal downtime

Same-day surgery available for many patients

Careful attention to cosmetic outcome and scar placement

Dr Peter Kim speaking at a podium as a 2011 scholarship winner — Dr Peter Kim — scholarship winner, 2011.

Choosing an experienced surgeon is one of the most important decisions when considering lipoma removal. Every patient is personally assessed and treated by Dr Peter Kim.

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) lump composed of fatty tissue that grows slowly beneath the skin. Lipomas are typically soft, painless, and movable when touched. They commonly appear on the face, forehead, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and thighs.

While lipomas are generally harmless, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.

When should a lipoma be removed?

Removal may be considered if:

The lipoma is enlarging
It becomes painful or tender
It interferes with daily activities or clothing
It is located in a visible area causing cosmetic concern
The diagnosis is uncertain

A consultation is required to assess suitability and preferably ultrasound result availability.

How much does lipoma removal cost in Sydney?

Average gap fee (with Medicare)$500

For an average size, the cost is a $500 gap (with Medicare). For a complex one, or for treatment of multiple lesions on the same day, it may cost $750 or more.

Consultation fee$105

The consultation fee is $105 (Medicare rebate of approximately $50).

Costs depend on the size, depth, location, and complexity of the lipoma. A quote is provided after consultation.

Clinical cases

Case studies of lipoma surgery from the face, the scalp and neck, the body, and the arm and leg.

Patient cases

Lipoma of the head before and after excision under local anaesthesia by Dr Peter Kim — Scalp & neck
Scalp Lipoma Near the Ear
This patient presented with a lipoma of the head. The lipoma was excised under local anaesthesia following clinical assessment and informed consent.

Longstanding back lipoma successfully excised under local anaesthesia, before and after — Body
Longstanding Back Lipoma
A longstanding lipoma on the back was excised on the same day under local anaesthesia. The procedure was performed comfortably in the clinic, and the lipoma was removed in its entirety.

Three lipomas on the flank before and after removal in one same-day procedure — Three Lipomas Removed From the Flank
Three lipomas were removed under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation. It is not uncommon to remove more than one lipoma.

Two forearm lipomas removed under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation — Arm & leg
Two Lipomas Removed From the Forearm
Two lipomas of the forearm were removed under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation.

Forehead lipoma before and after same-day removal under local anaesthesia — Face
Forehead Lipoma Near the Supraorbital Nerve
A forehead lipoma was removed under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation. In this location, the supraorbital nerve may be involved, which can result in temporary or, rarely, permanent scalp numbness.

Surgical removal of a large back lipoma causing neck pain, performed under local anaesthesia by Dr Peter Kim — Back
Slow-growing back lipoma causing neck pain
A slow-growing lipoma can eventually start affecting more than just appearance.
This patient had a large lipoma on the back that had been gradually growing over the past 5 years, to the point where it began causing neck pain. Given the size and the discomfort it was causing, the lipoma was surgically removed under local anaesthesia.
The procedure involved carefully dissecting and excising the entire fatty mass, providing both symptomatic relief from the pain and a smoother contour to the back.
Addressing lipomas before they grow too large can help avoid complications like nerve compression or muscular discomfort further down the line.

All patient photos

The following are real cases of lipoma surgery performed under local anaesthesia by Dr Peter Kim. These are for educational purposes only and are not promotional. Individual circumstances and outcomes may vary.

Frequently asked questions

The lipoma removal procedure

Lipoma removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting.

The procedure may involve:

Numbing the area
A small incision over the lipoma
Removal of the fatty lump and surrounding capsule
Closure with sutures where required

Procedure time varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the lipoma.

Diagram of lump excision: cross-section, local anaesthetic injection, elliptical incision, removal and final suture line

Step-by-step lipoma surgery under local anaesthesia by Dr Peter Kim for the best cosmetic result on the same day — 1. Local anaesthesia for comfort. There is usually no more pain after injection of local anaesthesia.
2. Open the skin and identify the lipoma.
3. Remove the lipoma in its entirety to reduce the recurrence rate.
4. Suture the wound in two to three layers for the best cosmetic result.

Here is a video demonstration of lipoma surgery under local anaesthesia.

Watch

Recovery and aftercare

Following the procedure:

Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising may occur
A scar will form and typically improves over time. Rarely, some patients develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. We do our best to produce the best-looking scar, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, keloid and hypertrophic scars can develop. This is not Dr Kim’s fault. Some people are prone to developing these types of unsightly scars. In that case, a consultation fee and treatment fee will apply if needed.
Wound care instructions will be provided. They are quite simple. Clean the wound under running water (such as in the shower). Apply antibiotic ointment. Apply a simple bandaid.
Usually return after 1–2 weeks to have external sutures removed. The internal sutures are dissolving.

How to care for a minor wound: clean under running water, apply antibiotic ointment, apply a bandaid, avoid heavy exercise

Healing times vary between individuals.

Possible risks

All procedures carry risks, which may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Scarring – hypertrophic scar, keloid scar and coloured scars.
Recurrence (if the capsule is not completely removed). The chance of recurrence is around 5%.
Delayed wound healing
Temporary numbness around the site

These will be discussed during your consultation.

Can you remove more than one lipoma at a time?

Multiple lipomas on the chest removed on the same day as the consultation under local anaesthesia — Lipomas can be removed individually or multiple on the same day as the consultation under local anaesthesia. We do give a discount for multiple removals.

Multiple lipomas in the leg surgically removed under local anaesthesia in one day — Multiple lipomas surgically removed under local anaesthesia in one day.

Does lipoma removal hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. Some discomfort may occur during the procedure and Dr Kim will add top-up local anaesthesia.

Will the lipoma come back?

Recurrence is uncommon but can occur, particularly if the lipoma capsule is not fully removed. Complete excision minimises the chance of regrowth.

Will there be a scar?

All surgical procedures result in a scar. Scarring varies between individuals. Incisions are placed to minimise visible scarring where possible.

Illustration of scar types: atrophic, keloid, contracture, hypertrophic, stretch marks and adhesion scars — Most of our patients are happy with the appearance of scars after dermatological surgery, but in rare cases, unsightly scars can develop. This depends on individual factors, and it is not Dr Kim’s fault.

Large arm lipoma before and after removal under local anaesthesia in a patient prone to keloid scars — **Large arm lipoma removed under local anaesthesia**
This patient presented with a large lipoma on the arm. He has multiple lipomas affecting both arms, which run in his family. Most of the lipomas are left alone, but those that continue to enlarge or become bothersome are removed.
After assessment by Dr Peter Kim, this lipoma was removed under local anaesthesia as a day procedure. The wound was closed using meticulous layered suturing techniques to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome and minimise scarring.
This patient also has a tendency to develop keloid scars. Keloid formation is an inherited characteristic in some individuals and is not caused by poor surgical technique. Despite careful surgery and meticulous wound closure, some patients are genetically predisposed to developing raised scars.
Because of this increased risk, the scar will be closely monitored during follow-up. If any signs of a keloid begin to develop, early treatment can be commenced to help minimise scar formation and achieve the best possible cosmetic result.

Which location should I attend?

You may choose between Chatswood or Cabramatta based on convenience.

Book a consultation

If you would like a lipoma or lump assessed, please contact the clinic to arrange a consultation:

Phone: (02) 9411 4880 | SMS: 0433 284 880
Clinics: Chatswood (4/9 Railway Street) & Cabramatta (227 Railway Parade)
Hours: Wed–Sat | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Important information: This information is general in nature and does not replace a medical consultation. All procedures carry risks and suitability must be assessed individually.

(02) 9411 4880 SMS 0433 284 880

Lipoma Removal Surgery Sydney | Chatswood & Cabramatta | Dr Peter Kim

Same-day lipoma removal under local anaesthesia