Surgical Removal of Moles, Cysts & Lipomas
Moles, cysts and lipomas on our skin are very common. Though they are generally harmless, many people consider removal options for cosmetic reasons or due to general discomfort caused by them.
Moles are caused by pigment cells (melanocytes) growing in clusters. Small, flat or slightly raised moles can be removed by ablative laser or electrocautery. However, it is recommended for bigger and more protruding moles to be removed via surgical excision. Recurrence of the mole after surgery is rare.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form under the skin. Skin cysts are caused when skin cells move under the skin surface instead of shedding. These cells continue to multiply and form a sac around themselves while secreting normal skin fluids. They are often soft, smooth and can move easily under the skin. They may grow in size over time, and occasionally become inflamed or infected. Cysts can be drained, injected with steroids to reduce swelling, or be surgically removed.
Lipomas are soft fatty masses that grow between skin and muscle. They are slow-growing and harmless. They can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels. Usually, they appear in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, or stomach. Lipomas result from an accumulation of fat, but its cause is uncertain. Lipomas tend to run in families and are seen most frequently in adults over 40. Lipomas do not go away on their own and can be surgically removed at the clinic.
Surgical removal of moles, cysts & lipomas is a simple procedure that is done in-clinic under 30 minutes. There is minimal discomfort as local anaesthesia will be injected to numb the area first. A small incision will be made to the skin and the mole, cyst or lipoma will be then be cut out. A small linear scar will be left, and will improve over time.
The excised tissue from surgical removal or moles, cysts and lipomas can be sent for histological analysis to exclude cancer.
