Lumps & Bumps Removal Sydney

Lumps & Bumps

Lumps and bumps is the everyday term for benign, meaning non-cancerous, growths in the skin and soft tissue. The most common are epidermoid or sebaceous cysts, lipomas, which are soft fatty lumps under the skin, and skin tags. Others include dermatofibromas, seborrhoeic keratoses and small vascular lesions.

Many of these need no treatment at all. Removal is worth considering when a lump is growing, catching on clothing or a razor, becoming inflamed or infected, discharging, causing pain or pressure, sitting somewhere it is repeatedly knocked, or simply bothering you because of how it looks.

Any new, changing or unexplained lump should be assessed before it is removed or dismissed. Some lesions that look benign are not, and some deeper lumps need imaging first. Tissue removed is sent for histopathology where clinically indicated, so the diagnosis is confirmed under the microscope rather than assumed. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, consults in Paddington, Sydney and treats lesions on the face, scalp, trunk and limbs.

Who removal of lumps and bumps may suit

• A cyst that keeps becoming inflamed, tender or infected
• A lipoma that is enlarging, pressing on surrounding tissue or noticeable through clothing
• Skin tags in areas of friction, such as the neck, underarms or under a bra strap
• A lump that is caught by clothing, jewellery, shaving or brushing hair
• Any lesion whose appearance has changed, or which has not been examined before
• A lump in a visible location where the appearance is the main concern, once its nature has been assessed

What the removal procedure involves

Most removals are done under local anaesthetic in a single short appointment. Larger, deeper or multiple lesions, and lesions in children, may be better managed in a day surgery setting.

1. The lesion is examined and a working diagnosis made. Ultrasound or other imaging is arranged first if the lump is deep or its nature is unclear.
2. The skin is cleaned and local anaesthetic is injected, which stings briefly and then numbs the area.
3. The lesion is removed through an incision planned to sit within a skin crease or line where possible. For a cyst, the aim is to take the wall out intact, since remnants can lead to recurrence.
4. The specimen is labelled and sent for histopathology where clinically indicated, and the result is discussed with you at your follow-up.
5. The wound is closed in layers with sutures, and a dressing is applied with instructions for its care.

Recovery

Recovery after a small excision is usually quick, though it depends on the size and site of the lesion. The following are general indications only.

• You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity the same day after most local anaesthetic procedures.
• Discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off is usually mild and settles with simple pain relief over a day or two.
• Sutures are typically removed at around five to 14 days depending on the location, or dissolve on their own.
• Activity that stretches the wound, and swimming, are generally avoided for one to two weeks.
• The scar is often pink and firm for a few months and continues to soften and fade over about 12 months.

Risks and considerations

Even minor surgery carries risk. This includes bleeding or bruising, wound infection, delayed healing, a scar that is wider, raised, thickened or more visible than expected, keloid formation in people prone to it, a small contour dip or lump where tissue was removed, temporary or occasionally permanent numbness near the scar, and recurrence of the lesion, which is more likely if a cyst wall was ruptured or an inflamed cyst had to be drained rather than excised. Lesions near superficial nerves, such as on the face or neck, carry a small risk of nerve injury affecting sensation or movement.

Histopathology sometimes shows something other than the expected benign diagnosis. If that happens, Dr Maryam will explain the result and what it means, which may include further excision to clear margins, additional tests, or referral for other treatment. Removing a lump does not prevent new lesions forming elsewhere.

Your consultation with Dr Maryam

If a lesion is being removed for a medical reason, your GP can refer you in the usual way and the procedure may attract a Medicare item number. If removal is purely for appearance, a referral is still required before a cosmetic surgery consultation in Australia, a cooling-off period of at least seven days applies between informed consent and the procedure, and there is no Medicare rebate. Fees are quoted after the consultation.

Dr Maryam will examine the lesion, explain what she thinks it is, describe where the scar will sit and how long it is likely to be, and discuss the risks and the alternatives, including monitoring the lump, treating an infection first, or leaving it alone, so you can decide with the full picture. Rooms are at 2c Heeley Street, Paddington NSW 2021, phone 1300 067 668.