Cyst & Lipoma Removal in Singapore
Same-day removal by a plastic surgeon, under local anaesthesia
Sebaceous cysts and lipomas are benign soft tissue lumps that are among the most commonly removed lesions in Singapore. While neither is dangerous in most cases, many people choose removal because the lump is growing, becoming uncomfortable, has become infected, or is simply bothersome. At Doctor Stitch, assessment and removal can usually be completed in a single visit, with cosmetic closure as standard.
What is a Sebaeceous Cyst
A sebaceous cyst is a benign, fluid-filled sac that forms beneath the skin, most commonly on the face, scalp, neck, or back. It arises from a blocked hair follicle or sebaceous gland and typically grows slowly over time. Cysts are generally painless unless they become inflamed or infected, in which case the overlying skin may become red, tender, and swollen.
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Infected cysts occasionally require drainage as a first step, followed by definitive excision once the inflammation has settled. Where clinically appropriate, same-day excision is performed.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign tumour of fatty tissue that forms just beneath the skin. Lipomas are soft to the touch, mobile, and usually painless. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the trunk, shoulders, neck, and upper limbs. Most lipomas do not require treatment, but removal is appropriate when a lipoma is enlarging, causing discomfort, or is cosmetically bothersome.
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Deeper or larger lipomas, or those in anatomically sensitive areas such as the hand or face, benefit from specialist surgical assessment before removal. See examples below: intramuscular lipoma within the right chest (left) and very large lipoma on the back (right).
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In rare cases, the size of the lipoma (more than 5 cm) and continuous increase in size, may suggest something more sinister such as a liposarcoma. In such cases, it is absolutely vital that the "lipoma" be assessed by a specialist as the placement and direction of the incision matters for further treatment further down the line (if necessary).
Why See a Plastic Surgeon for Cyst or Lipoma Removal?
Cysts and lipomas can be removed by a range of practitioners. The advantage of plastic surgeon-led removal is meticulous technique: complete excision of the cyst wall (incomplete removal is the most common cause of recurrence), layered cosmetic closure to minimise scarring, and more importantly, further management such as reconstruction should the defect be too big for direct closure.
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This matters particularly for lesions on the face, neck, or hands, where the cosmetic and functional stakes of a poorly executed procedure are higher. Dr Ng Zhi Yang is a dual-accredited plastic surgeon in the UK and Singapore, with specific training in soft tissue surgery and cosmetic closure.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Most cyst and lipoma removals at Doctor Stitch follow a straightforward process:
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(1) Assessment: A focused clinical assessment is performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine suitability for same-day treatment. A photograph or brief description shared in advance via WhatsApp can help expedite this.
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(2) Local anaesthesia: The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic injection. The procedure itself is painless. No sedation or general anaesthesia is required.
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(3) Excision: The cyst or lipoma is removed through a small incision. For cysts, the entire cyst wall is excised to minimise the risk of recurrence. For lipomas, the capsule is dissected free and removed intact where possible.
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(4) Closure: The wound is closed in layers with dissolvable deep sutures and fine superficial sutures or skin closure strips. While scars are inevitable, the goal is a flat, well-healed and inconspicuous scar.
(5) Specimen: Removed tissue is sent for histological analysis as clinically indicated.
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The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the lesion.
You can go home the same day.
Pricing
Pricing varies depending on the number, size, location, and complexity of the lesion in accordance with Singapore MOH Table of Surgical Procedure (TOSP) fees. Consultation and follow-up, as well as medications and further tests (such as X-ray and/or CT, MRI), if necessary, are charged separately. A clear cost estimate is provided before any treatment is initiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Will the cyst come back after removal?
Recurrence is uncommon when the entire cyst wall is excised. Incomplete removal, which is more likely when the lesion is removed in pieces rather than intact, is the most likely cause of recurrence. At Doctor Stitch, complete excision is the standard approach.
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2. Is the procedure painful?
The local anaesthetic injection causes brief stinging. Once the area is numb, the procedure is painless. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and manageable with paracetamol alone.
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3. How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to desk work the same day or the following day. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting are best avoided for one to two weeks depending on the site. Sutures are removed at a follow-up appointment, typically at seven to ten days.
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4. Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact us directly via WhatsApp to arrange an assessment.
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5. Can I send a photo first?
Yes, and we encourage it. Sending a photograph via WhatsApp allows Dr Ng to give you a preliminary assessment and advise whether same-day treatment is likely to be appropriate before you attend.
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6. Is the removed tissue tested?
Excised tissue is sent for laboratory analysis where clinically indicated. You will be informed of the results at or after your follow-up appointment.
To arrange an assessment, contact us via WhatsApp.
Same-day appointments are available subject to scheduling.
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