Skin Lumps Surgery - Lipoma, Cyst & Mole Removal In Singapore
Skin Lump Removal
Skin lumps are areas of abnormal raised skin or swelling under the skin. Some lumps can be hard, some soft. Some are adhered to the skin, or even in the skin, while others may be moveable under the skin.
If you have a skin lump that is increasing in size, causes pain, or has a change in appearance, you will need medical assessment. You should seek medical consultation and may want to consider a biopsy or removal.
Skin Lump Surgery
Surgical excision of small skin lumps can be carried out under local anaesthesia as a day surgery procedure. This procedure involves making a small cut in the skin to completely remove the entire lump. Depending on what the lump is, a small sliver of skin may be removed together with the lump to ensure complete removal.
A topical anaesthetic cream is first applied to minimize the pain from injection of local anaesthesia. You will not feel any pain during the surgery though gross touch can still be felt. The lump will be excised and sent for histological analysis.
Depending on your needs, and where the lump is taken out from, you can even return to work on the same day. There is minimal downtime involved except to allow the wound to heal.
Our clinic will be able to assist you with direct insurance e-filing and medisave claims if the excision of your skin lump is done for medical reasons.
Lipoma Removal Singapore
What Is Lipoma & What Causes It?
A lipoma is a lump that can be felt under the skin. It is a benign tumour made up of a lump of fatty cells or adipocytes. It can appear anywhere in the body and is usually non-cancerous. As the name suggests, it is found within the fat layer of our body, usually below the skin and above the deeper muscle layer. It commonly appears on the chest, abdomen and back as well as upper limb.
The cause of the growth of lipoma is not well understood. It is more common in adults than in children or adolescents. There are some uncommon genetic conditions in which a person can develop multiple lipomata.
Lipoma can appear as a single lump or feel like there are multiple lumps in one (multiloculated) or in multiple different places in the body. It is usually a soft, well-defined lump that is fairly mobile under the skin.
Most of the time, a lipoma does not cause pain. It can be completely asymptomatic. However, a lipoma can be present in inconvenient parts of your body e.g. near or over joints, in exposed areas which makes them susceptible to injury in daily activities, over the back of thighs or buttocks where they may get compressed when sitting, over areas where belts or straps may traumatize it. In these instances, lipomas can be easily traumatized, be uncomfortable, or even painful.
It may also be unsightly if it grows on an exposed part of the body e.g. forehead, neck.
Lipoma Treatment
Lipoma Removal
Removal of lipoma is not always necessary. However, it may sometimes grow in an inconvenient part of your body, cause discomfort, or grow in size.
You may then want to consider removal and a histological test of the lump. Most lipomas can be removed as a day surgery procedure. Usually, a topical anaesthetic cream is first applied over the area. The local anaesthetic is injected into the surrounding area before a skin cut is made and the lump is dissected out and removed for histology. The wound is then closed and a dressing applied.
If the lipoma is very large, or situated in a deep or inaccessible area, imaging tests e.g. CT scan or MRI may be required before surgery is planned. Lipomas that are larger in size or in a sensitive area may need to be removed under general anaesthesia.
Liposuction has been used in some cases of lipoma removal. However, one drawback with this method is that the lump may not be removed in its entirety or in its original form for the histological test.
Commonly Asked Questions About Lipoma Surgery
Who is A Good Candidate for Lipoma Removal Surgery?
Most people will be able to tolerate removal or excision of lipoma. Individuals who are on blood thinners or anti-clotting medications may need to stop the medications prior to surgery. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule.
Possible Risk & Side Effects Of Lipoma Removal Procedure
After surgery, you may experience some mild pain and bruising over the surgical site for the first few days. These should spontaneously subside with time. You may be given some analgesia to tide you over the initial period. The wound takes about 1-2 weeks to heal, and the surgical scar will fade over time.
Possible side effects include bleeding and bruising of the area. Recurrence though possible is uncommon if the entire lump is removed.
How To Prepare For The Lipoma Removal Procedure
You do not need any preparation before the lipoma removal procedure. If you are taking anti-clotting medications, please inform your surgeon before surgery.
What To Expect During The Lipoma Surgery
If your surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, you will be awake during the entire duration of surgery. You will not feel pain as the entire area would have been anaesthetized before the surgery. However, you will be able to feel sensation of gross movement. You will be able to converse with your surgeon and should communicate any sensation of discomfort.
What To Expect After the Procedure
You will have a dressing to cover the surgical area after the procedure. This dressing is usually water-resistant in nature for your convenience. However, you should keep the dressing as dry as possible. You will be reviewed in clinic within a week of surgery for dressing change and wound inspection. During the clinic visit, your specialist will also give you the histology report once it is ready.
After wound healing, your specialist will advise you on scar management to ensure that the scar fades well with time.
How Long Does It Take To Recover After The Lipoma Surgery?
Generally, it takes about 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal. The actual time taken for wound healing will depend on the location of lipoma removal surgery, as well as size of lipoma which in turn determines the surgical area involved.
If your surgery was performed under local anaesthesia, you may even be able to return to work on the same day or next day if your work does not involve strenuous activities.
We advise that you avoid sports or strenuous activities until your wound heals. Swimming or any activity that can cause your dressings to get wet or dislodged should be avoided. If your wound is in an exposed area of the body e.g. face, we advise that you also avoid excessive sun exposure.
Can I Claim Insurance For The Lipoma Surgery In Singapore?
Yes, our clinic will assist you with your insurance claims if your surgery is performed for a medical purpose. If you do not have medical insurance, we can also assist you with your application for Medisave claims.
Mole Removal in Singapore
What Are Moles?
A mole is the medical term for benign growth of a cluster of skin cells and is an exceedingly common condition. At WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, we remove moles and take special care to ensure good healing and scar formation.
Moles appear as small skin growths and are the most common type of skin lumps. Moles are a collection or cluster of skin cells. They are also known as naevi (naevus).
They can appear on any part of the skin, including the scalp. Most people have many moles on their skin. They are most often darker than the surrounding skin because they contain pigmented cells.
What Causes The Mole To Appear?
Moles can appear during childhood or during adolescence. They usually grow slowly grow in size or number over years. They can also become darker in colour, become raised, or have a change in texture.
Sometimes, hormonal changes in the body eg. pregnancy, can increase the size of or change the colour of moles. During pregnancy, oestrogen stimulation and higher levels of melanocyte stimulating hormone can make mores darker in colour.
Another common reason for the development of moles is the adverse effects of ultraviolet rays. The sun stimulates melanin synthesis in melanocytes in the base layer of the skin. An increase in pigment concentration in the body leads to nevi formation (the medical term for moles).
When Do You Need To Be Concerned About The Mole?
Not all types of moles are dangerous. Some moles may turn cancerous. Usually, dysplastic naevus is more likely to undergo malignant change than normal naevus.
These moles may exhibit features that make them appear more atypical eg. larger in size, irregular shape, different shades of colour in one mole. It may not always be possible to determine if a mole is suspicious.
Excision may be required for the histological tests. A proper excision will ensure the lump is fully excised and analyzed.
You should seek medical attention if you notice the following in your moles:
- Asymmetry in the appearance
- Change in border or edges of the mole
- Change in colour
- Change in size
- Change in appearance
Can Moles Be Prevented?
Moles appear more particularly on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the arms, legs, and back in men. People with fair skin should use sun protection when out in the sun.
How To Remove Moles?
Moles can be removed by either laser or excision. Both methods involve a period of about a week for wound healing.
Mole Removal By Surgical Excision
The surgical method is advised when the mole is too large to be treated using laser, or if there is any clinical suspicion of malignant transformation. The mole is excised and then sent for histological assessment.
This procedure can be carried out under local anaesthesia as a day surgery procedure. This procedure involves making a small cut in the skin to completely remove the entire lump. A topical anaesthetic cream is first applied to minimize the pain from injection of local anaesthesia. You will not feel any pain during the surgery though gross touch can still be felt. The lump will be excised and sent for histological analysis.
Depending on your needs, and where the lump is taken out from, you can even return to work on the same day. There is minimal downtime involved except to allow the wound to heal.
Mole Removal By Laser
Removal of a mole by laser is a painless treatment. This can be done under local anaesthesia. The wound heals with a scab that may fall off in a few days. The scar fades over the following months. This method can be done for smaller-sized moles.
Commonly Asked Questions About Mole Removal
Will the moles grow back after the removal?
Moles that are entirely removed do not usually recur. However, removal by laser may not completely remove all the pigment cells and recurrence of the mole may be possible.
Will mole removal leave a scar?
All surgeries for removing the mole will leave a small spot, which usually fades over a period of time. The appearance of the scar also depends on individual skin. We use special surgical techniques to ensure that scarring is minimal.
How does a doctor determine which is the proper method for mole removal?
Our surgeon will advise on the ideal method for removal after consultation and clinical assessment. This may depend on size of the mole, characteristic of the mole, need to send for histological testing, as well as personal preference.
How should I prepare for the mole removal surgery?
Mole removal operations are done under a local anaesthetic, which means you should be able to eat and drink any time before the procedure. Also, keep an updated list of any medications you are under.
Usually, we advise that you avoid excessive sun exposure and strenuous sporting activities for one week to allow your wound to heal.
Any risk or side effects involved?
Mole removal is considered a minor procedure that does not usually affect your daily living.
You may experience mild pain immediately after the procedure. Swelling the in area treated usually takes a few days to subside.
How long does it take to recover from the mole removal surgery?
It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal. During this period, it is crucial to take care of the area to ensure proper wound healing to minimize infection and scarring.
What are the mole removal post-care treatments?
We will give you appropriate aftercare advice at the end of the procedure. Depending on the procedure, you may need to clean your wound or keep it dry and covered. We may advise applying an antibiotic ointment for wound protection.
You should avoid these things during recovery:
- Shaving near or at the site
- Use of strong skin cleansers, and irritants
- Excessive sun exposure
- Swimming
Can I claim insurance for the mole removal surgery?
Our clinic will be able to assist you with direct insurance e-filing and Medisave claims if the excision of your skin lump is done for medical reasons.
Safe & Reliable
Mole Removal Service
At WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, you can expect quality care and treatment from one of Singapore's best female plastic surgeons. Call us today to enquire about mole removal service.
Cyst Removal
What Are Cysts?
A cyst is a sac like lump which contains either liquid or solid material. There are many types of cysts that can appear in our bodies. Common ones which appear on the surface (on our skin) or close to the surface include epidermoid cyst (or sebaceous cyst), and pilar cyst. Other types of cyst which can occur on the skin or close to the skin include pilonidal cyst and ganglion cyst.
Cysts can also occur on mucosal surfaces e.g. in our mouth/ oral cavity. These are usually called mucous retention cysts.
Common Types of Skin Cyst
Sebaceous Cyst or Epidermoid Cyst
Skin cysts/epidermal cysts are common causes of skin lumps. A sebaceous or epidermoid cyst is formed when there is an abnormal collection of sebum in a sac when the duct or opening of the sebaceous gland becomes blocked. It can increase in size very slowly over a long period of time or may experience a sudden increase in size. It may also become infected forming a collection of pus.
They are often found on the face, neck, and back, though they can be present almost anywhere on the skin surface where there are sebaceous glands. These cysts or lumps are not cancerous. However, they can become problematic when they continue to grow. They may appear in visible areas, appear unsightly, or are present in areas where they can become easily traumatized by movements. If they continue to enlarge, they can also become infected. Once infected, the infection may need to be treated before the lump can be removed.
Sometimes, the material within the cyst sac can be extruded. However, the contents often recollect and the cyst recurs. Frequent manipulation of the cyst may also increase the risk of infection. It is best to have complete removal by surgery.
Pilar Cyst
A pilar cyst is an abnormal sac containing keratin material at the hair follicle. Most pilar cysts occur on the scalp. Although most pilar cysts are not cancerous, they may cause inconvenience and discomfort especially when present on the scalp. Though most are small, some pilar cysts can increase to become significant in size, making it obvious in appearance.
Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst is lump or a collection of fluid at in the crease between the buttocks near your tailbone. It may be present without you realizing it, and is usually infected or painful when it is noticed.
You may experience pain, redness, swelling, discharge or pus. You will need to seek medical treatment. Treatment of the infection is important for the acute stage. However, surgery is often required to drain the pus, remove the cyst, and in some cases to prevent recurrence.
Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cysts are lumps that are often found over the wrists, on the hand or forearm. They contain gelatinous fluid from the surrounding joints.
These are usually not harmful and can be left alone if it does not increase in size or cause inconvenience. You may need to see a specialist for removal of these cyst over the joints.
Mucous Retention Cyst
A mucous retention cyst or a mucocele is a lump containing thick fluid that is found on the mucosal surface of the oral cavity. It is the result of extravasation of saliva from a traumatized minor salivary gland.
Presence of a lump on the mucosal surface of the lip or within the oral cavity can cause irritation during eating or talking. The size of the lump may also fluctuate.
Surgery may be performed to either drain or remove the cysts. This can be done under local anaesthesia, or under a short general anaesthesia if preferred. Our specialist will be able to assess and discuss surgery with you.
When To See A Doctor?
Cysts can remain the same size for a long time without a significant change in size. However, if you find that the lump is growing, we recommend that you see a doctor to for assessment.
The diagnosis of cyst is usually a clinical one made on physical examination. Removal of the cyst is not always necessary. However, it may be present in an inconvenient part of your body or cause discomfort. Sometimes, you may notice that the cyst or skin lump is slowly increasing in size. In the above situations, you may then want to consider removal for histological test of the lump.
You may also choose to remove the cyst if it appears in a prominent area and appear unsightly.
Cyst Removal Surgery Overview
Most skin lumps can be removed as a day surgery procedure. Usually a topical anaesthetic cream is first applied over the area. Further local anaesthetic is then injected to the surrounding area before a skin cut is made. The lump is dissected out and removed for histological test. The wound is then closed and a dressing applied.
Commonly Asked Questions About Cyst Removal
Who is A Good Candidate For Cyst Removal Surgery
Most people will be able to tolerate removal or excision of a cyst. Individuals who are on blood thinners or anti-clotting medications may need to stop the medications prior to surgery. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule.
What Are The Possible Risk & Side Effects of Skin Cyst Surgery?
After surgery, you may experience some mild pain and bruising over the surgical site for the first few days. These should spontaneously subside with time. You may be given some analgesia to tide you over the initial period. The wound takes about 1 week to heal. Possible side effects include bleeding and bruising of the area.
How To Prepare For The Cyst Removal Procedure?
You do not need any preparation before the removal procedure. If you are taking anti-clotting medications, please inform your surgeon before surgery.
What To Expect During The Cyst Removal Surgery?
Skin lump surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia – this means that you will be awake during the entire duration of surgery. You will not feel pain as the entire area would have been anaesthetized before the surgery. However, you will be able to feel sensation of gross movement. You will be able to converse with your surgeon and should communicate any sensation of discomfort.
Our specialist plastic surgeon will be able to ensure that you have the best resulting scar from surgery through preoperative planning, meticulous skin closure and post-operative care that can be expected from a plastic surgeon. This is especially important if the lump is at a conspicuous area of your body.
What To Expect After The Procedure?
You will have a dressing to cover the surgical area after the procedure. This dressing is usually waterproof in nature for your convenience. However, you should keep the dressing dry as much as possible. You will be reviewed in clinic within the week after surgery for dressing change and wound inspection. During the clinic visit, your specialist will also give you the histology report once it is ready.
After wound healing, our specialist will advise you on scar management to ensure that the scar fades well with time.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From The Cyst Removal Surgery?
Generally, it takes about 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal and stabilize.
If your surgery was performed under local anaesthesia, you may even be able to return to work on the same day or next day if your work does not involve strenuous activities.
We advise that you avoid sports or strenuous activities until your wound heals. Swimming or any activity that can cause your dressings to get wet or dislodged should be avoided. If your wound is in an exposed area of the body e.g. face, we advise that you also avoid excessive sun exposure.
Can I Claim Insurance For The Cyst Removal?
Yes, our clinic will be able to assist you with your insurance claims if your surgery is performed for a medical purpose. If you do not have medical insurance, we can also assist you with your application for Medisave claims.
At WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, you can expect quality care and treatment from one of Singapore's best female plastic surgeons. Call us today to enquire about cyst removal.
Why Choose WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Clinic
- Dr. Ong Wei Chen is a fully accredited plastic surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience
- Having an in-depth understanding of reconstructive and plastic surgical techniques allows her patients to enjoy superior results in terms of wound healing and post-surgical scarring
- No hidden cost. Transparent pricing based on MOH fee guidelines.
- Highly personalized and patient-centered. Receive dedicated and consistent quality care you deserve.
- Medisave accredited clinic. Our helpful staff will be assisting you with every detail of your visit from paperwork, medical insurance claims & e-filing procedures.
- Highly trained and qualified clinic staff team who are friendly, knowledgeable and attention to details
- Equipped with latest and cutting-edge aesthetic equipment and technology
- Lifelong relationship. We view every patient as a member of the WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery family and believe in building lifelong trusting relationships.
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