If you’ve recently discovered a soft lump under your skin, you’re not alone. Many people in London, Ontario notice these growths—often by accident—and begin to worry about what they might mean. In most cases, these lumps are lipomas, which are harmless growths made up of fat cells. Even though lipomas are benign, many patients understandably prefer to have them removed, either for comfort, peace of mind, or cosmetic reasons.
At Pinkal Medical Aesthetic clinic in London, Ontario, we regularly see patients who come in with questions about their skin lumps. Some want to know whether they need to be worried, while others are interested in the process of having one safely removed. This guide was written to answer the most common questions, explain what lipomas are, when they should be treated, and what you can expect if you decide to have your procedure done locally here in London.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing lump made of fatty tissue. They usually sit just beneath the skin and tend to feel soft and slightly movable when touched. Lipomas are generally painless and non-cancerous, making them the most common type of benign soft tissue growth.
They are often found:
On the shoulders, arms, or thighs
Along the back or abdomen
Occasionally on the neck or chest
While lipomas are harmless, people often seek removal if they don’t like the way they look, if the lump presses on nearby nerves or tissues, or if there is uncertainty about what the lump really is.
It’s important to note that not every lump is a lipoma. Conditions such as sebaceous cysts, fibromas, and ganglion cysts may appear similar. In much rarer cases, even liposarcomas (a type of cancer) can resemble benign lipomas at first glance. That’s why a medical assessment is always important—so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
When Should a Lipoma Be Removed?
Not every lipoma has to be removed. Some can simply be monitored, especially if they’re small and not causing trouble. However, in our experience at Pinkal Medical Aesthetic clinic, patients often choose removal when:
The lipoma is growing quickly or changing noticeably.
There is pain, tenderness, or pressure on surrounding tissues.
The lump is in a cosmetically sensitive area, such as the arms, forehead, or neck.
The patient feels uncertain and wants reassurance through pathology testing after removal.
The lipoma is large enough to affect mobility or clothing fit.
One thing patients sometimes regret is waiting too long—especially if the lipoma continues to grow. A small lump that could once be removed with a minimal incision may, after several years, require a larger procedure and potentially more noticeable scarring.
Lipoma Removal at Pinkal Medical Aesthetic in London, Ontario
For most people, lipoma treatment in Ontario can be managed safely and comfortably in a medical clinic setting. We provide this as a straightforward outpatient procedure—meaning you don’t need to go through lengthy hospital wait times.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the procedure typically works:
Consultation and assessment – One of our Nurse Practitioners examines the lump. In some cases, imaging like ultrasound may be recommended to confirm that it truly is a lipoma.
Pinkal Medical Aesthetic – The area around the growth is numbed, so you remain completely awake but feel no pain during the procedure.
Incision and removal – A small cut is made, just big enough to remove the lipoma. The fatty tissue is carefully separated and taken out, usually in one clean piece.
Closure – The incision is closed with stitches, often dissolvable, depending on the site and size.
Pathology testing – we send most removed lipomas for testing. This step is reassuring for patients since it confirms the diagnosis under a microscope.
From start to finish, the procedure typically takes under an hour. Most people walk out of the clinic and continue daily life with only mild restrictions for a short period.
Lipoma vs. Other Lumps
It’s natural to assume any soft lump is a lipoma, but that isn’t always the case. Here’s what sets them apart:
Lipomas – Soft, non-tender, rubbery, and mobile.
Sebaceous cysts – Often firmer, may have a central “punctum” and can become inflamed or infected.
Fibromas – More fibrous, less fatty, often smaller.
Liposarcomas – Rare cancers of fatty tissue, usually firmer, may grow more quickly, and feel less mobile.
This is why removal with pathology is so valuable. It not only helps with symptoms or appearance but also provides certainty about what the lump really is.
Scarring and Cosmetic Considerations
Understandably, many patients are concerned about scars. The final scar depends on multiple factors:
Location: Facial skin typically heals differently than back or shoulder skin.
Lipoma size: Smaller growths allow for finer incisions and less noticeable scars.
Healing tendency: Some patients are prone to thicker scars or keloids (common in certain skin types).
At Pinkal Medical Aesthetic, we use careful techniques to minimize scarring, and patients are given aftercare instructions such as gentle scar massage, silicone gels, and sun protection to help scars heal as discreetly as possible.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quick recovery is. Common experiences include:
Mild soreness for one to three days, typically controlled with over-the-counter pain relief.
Return to desk work the next day; avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for about a week.
Stitches may need to be removed after 7–14 days if non-dissolvable.
A small dressing or steri-strips usually protect the site while it heals.
We advise watching for unexpected swelling, persistent pain, drainage, or redness—all of which could signal infection and should be reviewed by a NP’s. Recurrence of the exact same lipoma is rare if it has been completely excised, though some patients are prone to developing new ones elsewhere.
Why Choose Pinkal Medical Aesthetics in London, Ontario?
In Ontario, procedures like lipoma removal can sometimes fall into a “grey area” when booked through a hospital—especially if the lump is not urgent. That means patients might wait months for treatment.
By choosing Pinkal Medical Aesthetic clinic in London, patients benefit from:
Shorter wait times compared to hospital-based surgery.
Continuity of care with the same Nurse Practitioner team from start to finish.
Convenient follow-ups right here in the city.
A comfortable, clinic-based setting where procedures are done under local anaesthetic.
Patients often tell us they appreciate how accessible and straightforward the process feels compared to the uncertainty of hospital referrals.
When to See NP’s Immediately
While lipomas are benign, not all lumps should be dismissed. You should book an appointment promptly if you notice:
A lump that grows quickly or changes shape
A lump that becomes painful, hard, or immobile
Associated symptoms such as night sweats, fever, or weight loss
Skin changes or ulceration over the lump
These don’t necessarily mean something dangerous is happening, but they do warrant timely assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lipoma removal hurt?
No. The area is numbed with local freezing. Most patients only feel pressure, not pain.
Can lipomas come back?
A lipoma removed completely is unlikely to regrow in the same place. However, some people develop new lipomas over time.
Is it covered by OHIP?
Yes—if removal is considered medically necessary. Cosmetic-only removal is generally not covered.
How long is the appointment?
Most procedures take 20–45 minutes, with patients heading home the same day.
Will it leave a scar?
Yes, but scars are typically small and fade over time. Location and personal healing tendencies affect final visibility.
Final Thoughts: Lipoma Care at Pinkal Medical Aesthetic
Discovering a lump can cause stress, but most turn out to be harmless lipomas. The key is proper evaluation and, if needed, safe removal. At Pinkal Medical Aesthetic in London, Ontario, we’ve helped many patients resolve the worry and move forward with confidence.
If you’ve noticed a lump and are unsure what it is—or if you’re thinking about removal for comfort or peace of mind—we encourage you to book a consultation. With same-day procedures available and testing included for reassurance, you don’t need to wait months in the hospital system. Care is available locally, right here in London.
Contact Pinkal Medical Aesthetic clinic today to book your consultation and take the first step toward clarity and comfort.