General Dermatology · Apgujeong, Seoul
Lipoma
Diagnosis of soft lumps under the skin and minor-incision lipoma removal by a dermatologist.
General Dermatology · Apgujeong, Seoul
Lipoma
Diagnosis of soft lumps under the skin and minor-incision lipoma removal by a dermatologist.
Quick answer
Medical dermatology at Oaro Dermatology Clinic is led by board-certified dermatologists who diagnose first and treat second. Korean National Health Insurance may apply to covered conditions for insured residents. Meet our doctors or book a same-week appointment .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 20–45 minutes depending on size |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local injection |
| Downtime | Sutures for 7–14 days; light activity from the next day |
| Sessions | 1 |
| Results last | A fully removed lipoma rarely recurs; new lipomas can develop elsewhere |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is the most common soft-tissue growth in adults: a capsule of mature fat cells that sits between the skin and the muscle. It feels doughy or rubbery, moves easily under the fingertips and grows slowly, usually to between one and five centimetres. Lipomas are most frequent between the ages of 40 and 60, run in families, and some people develop several, a pattern called familial multiple lipomatosis. The cause is not fully understood; an injury to the area sometimes precedes one, but diet and weight are not responsible. They are benign and do not turn into cancer.
You should see a dermatologist when a lump is larger than five centimetres, growing quickly, painful, firm or fixed rather than mobile, sits deep in the muscle, or has appeared after the age of 60, because these features call for imaging to exclude the rare fatty cancer liposarcoma. Lumps that press on nerves, restrict movement or are cosmetically troubling are also reasonable to remove.
How lipomas are treated at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist examines the lump and, when its size, depth or texture warrants, arranges ultrasound to confirm a simple lipoma and to map its margins; a different lump such as an epidermoid cyst is identified at this stage. Removal is performed under local anaesthetic through an incision deliberately smaller than the lipoma: the capsule is freed and the fat is delivered through the opening, then the layers are closed with fine sutures aligned with skin tension lines. Tissue is sent for histology. Very large, deep or atypical lipomas are referred to a surgical centre with imaging. The clinic's scar care options support healing afterwards, and the assessment can form part of a wider skin check-up. Your plan and aftercare are recorded in the care notebook.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Board-certified dermatologists for medical and cosmetic skin care under one roof
- Dermoscopy, allergy and scalp assessment before any prescription
- Written treatment plan, home-care guidance and follow-up
- Private rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination for visitors and expats
Treatment goals
Common goals for lipoma care
Confirm it is benign
Examination, ultrasound where needed and histology after removal rule out rarer fatty tumours.
Remove it in one visit
Most lipomas are removed completely under local anaesthetic in under an hour.
Keep the scar small
A minimal incision with layered closure leaves a fine line rather than a lump.
Relieve discomfort
Removing a lipoma that presses on nerves or rubs under straps restores comfort.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist assesses the size, depth and mobility of the lump, reviews how it has changed and arranges ultrasound if any feature is unusual. Photographs are taken and the planned incision is explained.
2. Treatment
The area is cleaned and numbed with a local injection. At Oaro Dermatology Clinic the dermatologist makes a small incision, frees the capsule and removes the lipoma, then closes the deep layer and skin with fine sutures and applies a pressure dressing. The procedure takes 20–45 minutes.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
Sutures are removed after seven to fourteen days depending on the site. Histology is reviewed with you, and scar care is started once the wound has closed.
Cost & insurance
Lipoma removal cost in Seoul
Removal of a symptomatic or enlarging lipoma is medical treatment and may be partly covered by Korean National Health Insurance for insured residents. Visitors and cosmetic removals are self-pay; pricing depends on size, depth and location, and itemised receipts are provided.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Consultation (self-pay) | 30,000–60,000 |
| Ultrasound assessment | 50,000–100,000 |
| Excision of a small lipoma (under 3 cm) | 300,000–500,000 |
| Excision of a larger lipoma, with histology | 500,000–1,000,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Home care
Aftercare
- Keep the pressure dressing in place for 24–48 hours to limit bruising, then keep the wound clean and dry.
- Avoid heavy lifting, stretching and gym work involving the area until sutures are removed.
- Take simple pain relief as advised; mild aching for a few days is expected.
- After suture removal, use silicone gel or tape and sunscreen on the scar for several months.
- Report swelling that increases rapidly, fever or fluid leaking from the wound without delay.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society of Atopic Dermatitis, the Korean Society of Vitiligo & Pigmentation and the Korean Society of Acne & Rosacea.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a lipoma dangerous?
No. It is benign, though a dermatologist should assess any lump that is large, fast-growing, painful or firm to exclude rarer conditions.
Do lipomas go away on their own?
No. They remain stable or grow slowly; only removal eliminates them.
Can a lipoma be dissolved with injections instead?
Injection lipolysis has limited evidence for lipomas and is not routinely recommended; surgical removal remains the standard.
Will it come back after removal?
A completely removed lipoma rarely recurs, although new ones can appear elsewhere in people who are prone to them.
How soon can I travel after removal?
Most people can fly within a day or two; visitors to Seoul should plan to stay for suture removal or arrange it at home.
Explore related care
Related conditions and treatments
- Medical Dermatology — the hub for medical skin care at Oaro
- Epidermoid Cyst — the other common lump beneath the skin
- Skin Check-Up — assessment of lumps and growths across the body
- Keloid Scar Treatment — care for scars that thicken after surgery
- About & Doctors — the board-certified dermatologists in Apgujeong
- Contact & Booking — book a lipoma consultation
Same-week appointments
See a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Bring your questions, medication list and any photos of flare-ups. We will examine your skin, explain the diagnosis and give you a written plan. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients and expats.