Skin lesion excision (cysts, lipomas, dermatofibromas)

Category: Minor Procedures, Injections & Pain Relief · All minor procedures, injections & pain relief

What it is

Minor surgical excision removes common benign lumps — epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts, lipomas (fatty lumps) and other skin lesions — through a small cut under local anaesthetic. The lump is dissected out and the wound stitched; the specimen is usually sent to the laboratory.

Why it is done

Surgery is offered for lumps that are painful, growing, infected, cosmetically troubling, or where the diagnosis is uncertain. Small, painless, clearly benign lumps often need no operation at all.

How to prepare

The lump is examined and often an ultrasound confirms its nature (a lipoma versus a cyst, depth, and relationship to nerves and vessels). Tell the clinician about blood thinners and allergies. No fasting is needed.

What happens during the procedure

After numbing, the skin is cut over the lump, the lesion is removed (intact where possible, since ruptured cysts recur), and the wound is stitched in layers. It takes about 20 to 45 minutes.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Recovery is usually quick — most people return to desk work within a day or two and avoid heavy lifting for about a week. Stitches come out after about one to two weeks depending on the site; dissolving stitches are sometimes used. Results of any laboratory examination follow within a few weeks.

Risks & considerations

Risks include bleeding/haematoma, infection, recurrence (notably cysts whose wall was not fully removed), numbness near the scar, and scarring. Lipomas in awkward spots (for example under muscle) may need a general anaesthetic and hospital setting.

Frequently asked questions

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