Lipoma and cyst excision are minor surgical procedures performed to remove unwanted lumps beneath the skin.

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fat cells that feels soft, rubbery, and usually painless. It grows slowly under the skin and can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the shoulders, back, arms, or thighs. Although lipomas are harmless, people often choose to have them removed if they become large, uncomfortable, or cosmetically bothersome.

A cyst, such as an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst, is a sac filled with keratin, sebum, or other material. These cysts may appear as small, firm bumps under the skin and can sometimes become inflamed, infected, or tender. Excision is often recommended if the cyst is painful, recurrent, infected, or cosmetically concerning.

The excision procedure is usually done under local anesthesia in a clinic setting. The surgeon makes a small incision over the lump, carefully removes the lipoma or cyst along with its capsule (to reduce the chance of recurrence), and then closes the wound with stitches. Recovery is quick, with most patients returning to normal activities the same day or the next. Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness is common for a few days.

The best point about lipoma and cyst excision is that it provides a permanent solution, with complete removal giving both cosmetic improvement and relief from discomfort, while also allowing the tissue to be sent for lab testing to rule out any rare underlying conditions.