So, what's the difference? Well, cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop anywhere on the body. Common types include sebaceous cysts – formed when oil glands become blocked; and dermoid cysts – containing hair, skin and other tissues.
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps (fat tumours) under the skin and are typically harmless. They feel soft and movable under the skin. It's thought around 1 in 100 people develop a lipoma at some point in their lives.
Our consultants typically recommend removal for:
Cyst and lipoma removal is straightforward. It's performed under local anaesthesia and involves:
Diagnosis: Your clinician examines the growth. They may recommend imaging to confirm its nature, and plan the best approach.
Procedure: For sebaceous cysts and other skin cysts, the entire sac and contents are removed to prevent recurrence. For dermoid cysts, careful complete excision is performed. For lipomas (fat tumours), the lump is removed entirely.
Closure: Your incision is closed with sutures to promote optimal healing.
The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, carried out in a sterile environment to ensure your safety.
Before your appointment: Your clinician will review your medical history and explain the procedure. No preparation is typically required.
During your appointment: The area will be numbed with local anaesthetic, and the procedure will take around 30 minutes to an hour.
After your appointment: You may experience mild soreness, which usually resolves within a few days. A follow-up appointment will ensure proper healing and provide you with peace of mind.
While normally safe, minor risks include:
Our clinicians will take every precaution to minimise these risks.
Recovery is usually fast. To help heal, you should:
The specialist dermatology team at LivingCare have extensive expertise in removing all types of cysts and lipomas. Our investment in advanced equipment and consultant-led care ensures you receive minimal scarring and optimal outcomes.
Skin growths can cause discomfort and affect your confidence. That's why at LivingCare, we provide swift access to expert care.
With convenient locations offering cyst and lipoma removal in Leeds and Sheffield, our specialists serve patients across Yorkshire.
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Most people recover fully within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the cyst or lipoma removed.
There may be a small scar, but our minimally invasive techniques aim to minimise scarring, and scars usually fade.
Complete removal is often permanent, but there is a slight chance of recurrence. Removing the entire cyst sac helps prevent sebaceous cysts and other skin cysts from returning.

We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.