MEDICAL SCHOOL
Duke University School of Medicine
Lipoma / Cyst Removal
A lump beneath the skin may be a lipoma, a cyst, or something else. Lipomas and cysts are different: a lipoma is made of fatty tissue, while a skin cyst is a sac that commonly contains keratin. An examination comes before any removal plan.
Introduction
What is lipoma and cyst removal?
A typical lipoma is a soft, slow-growing fatty lump under the skin. Many lipomas do not need treatment, but removal may be considered when a confirmed lipoma is uncomfortable, growing, or bothersome.
An epidermal inclusion cyst is a different kind of lump. When surgical removal is appropriate, removing the cyst lining as well as its contents lowers the chance that it will return. A lump that is rapidly growing, firm, fixed, painful, unusually large, deep, inflamed, or uncertain may need imaging, biopsy, or referral rather than routine office removal.
Honest guidance
Are you a good candidate?
YOUR CONSULTATION CONSIDERS
- The lump has been examined and is appropriate for removal by this practice.
- Its size, depth, location, symptoms, and your health support the proposed setting and anesthesia.
- You understand that removal leaves a scar and that tissue may be sent for pathology when clinically appropriate.
AN INDIVIDUAL DECISION
Candidacy is personal. Dr. Ambani reviews your goals, anatomy, health, medications, prior procedures, healing history, and timing before recommending treatment.
She will also tell you when another procedure, further evaluation, waiting, or no treatment is the better plan.
A useful consultation leaves room for every outcome: proceeding, refining the plan, staging care, or deciding that waiting is right for you.
Why choose Dr. Ambani
ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon with more than twenty years of experience
RESIDENCY
Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals
FELLOWSHIP
Microsurgical Reconstruction, University of Pittsburgh Affiliated Hospitals
BOARD CERTIFICATION
American Board of Plastic Surgery
EXPERIENCE
Attending surgeon since 2017
Supported at every stage
What recovery involves
01
Early healing
Many small, superficial removals can be planned with local anesthesia, while larger, deeper, or complex lumps may need a different setting.
02
Returning to routine
Expect a closed incision, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and activity limits that depend on the location and size of the removal.
03
Long-term care
Call promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, drainage, fever, a wound opening, or another unexpected change. The scar continues to mature for months.
Risks to discuss: Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid buildup, delayed healing, contour change, numbness, an unfavorable scar, incomplete removal, recurrence, an unexpected pathology result, and the need for further evaluation or treatment.
Clear, personalized planning
Cost and self-pay care
Shoshana Ambani Plastic Surgery is a cosmetic, self-pay practice. Cost depends on the procedure, complexity, setting, anesthesia, supplies, and time required.
A price is useful only when it matches your actual plan. You receive an itemized estimate after consultation.
Thoughtful answers
Common questions
These answers are general. Your consultation is where Dr. Ambani applies them to your anatomy, health, and goals.
Is a lipoma the same as a cyst?
No. A lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue. A skin cyst is a sac beneath the skin, commonly filled with keratin. They can look similar, so the diagnosis should be confirmed before removal.
Does every lipoma or cyst need to be removed?
No. Many can be observed when they are not causing problems and the diagnosis is clear. Removal may be considered for symptoms, growth, irritation, appearance, or diagnostic uncertainty.
Can the lump come back?
A lipoma usually does not return after complete removal, although another lipoma can develop elsewhere. A cyst can recur, particularly if its lining is not completely removed.
Is pathology included in the $3,000 estimate?
The published $3,000 figure is a planning estimate for the procedure. Pathology, imaging, facility, or anesthesia fees may be separate when they are needed. Your written estimate will explain what is included.
Plan your care with Dr. Ambani
Consultation-based, self-pay plastic surgery in Ann Arbor.