By Dr Thomas Hanna MBChB, FRCS, MSc, PGCE, PhD and Dr Peter Swan MBChB, FRACS
Compass Surgical | MacMurray Centre, Auckland
This is Article 4 of 8 in our guide to skin lumps, bumps and minor surgical procedures.
In our previous article, Do I Need Surgery for My Lump or Bump?, we discussed when removal may be appropriate and when observation can be a reasonable option.
Once patients decide to proceed, the next question is often:
“What actually happens during the procedure?”
For many people, this is the point where anxiety starts to creep in.
The good news is that most lump and bump procedures are straightforward, performed as day-stay procedures, and allow patients to return home shortly afterwards.
At Compass Surgical, our goal is to make the experience as comfortable, safe and stress-free as possible.
Before any procedure, your surgeon will review the diagnosis, explain the planned treatment and answer any remaining questions. Patients who would like additional information can also access the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) patient information resources before their procedure.
This is also an opportunity to discuss:
We encourage patients to ask questions and ensure they feel comfortable with the plan before proceeding.
In most cases, yes.
Many skin lesions, cysts and lipomas can be removed under local anaesthetic.
This means the area is numbed while you remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Patients often tell us that the anticipation is worse than the procedure itself.
You may feel some pressure or movement, but you should not feel pain.
Occasionally, larger or more complex procedures may be performed under sedation or general anaesthetic, although this is less common.
Once the area is numb, the lump or lesion is carefully removed.
The exact technique depends on the type of lump and its location.
The procedure generally involves:
Most procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes.
Often, yes.
Many wounds are closed using dissolvable stitches placed beneath the skin.
Others may require stitches that are removed later by your surgeon, practice nurse or GP.
The type of closure depends on the location and size of the wound.
Your surgeon will explain what is appropriate for your situation.
Most tissue removed by surgeons is sent to a specialist pathology laboratory.
A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and provides a detailed report confirming the diagnosis.
This process is known as histology.
For many patients, the pathology result simply confirms what was already suspected.
Occasionally, it provides additional information that helps guide further treatment or follow-up.
We’ll discuss pathology results in more detail later in this series.
In most cases, yes.
The majority of patients return home shortly after the procedure.
Before discharge, we ensure that:
If local anaesthetic alone has been used, many patients are able to drive themselves home, although this depends on the location of the procedure and individual circumstances.
Most patients experience:
These symptoms are usually temporary and improve steadily over the following days.
Detailed instructions are provided regarding:
At Compass Surgical, we believe even minor procedures deserve major attention to detail.
Our approach is built around:
Whether we are removing a small skin lesion or a larger soft tissue lump, our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care and an excellent patient experience.
Most patients are reassured to learn that lump and bump removal is usually a straightforward procedure.
However, every operation carries some potential risks.
In the next article, “What Are the Risks of Lump Removal?”, we’ll discuss the possible complications of surgery, how common they are, and the steps taken to minimise them.
If you’re considering treatment for a cyst, lipoma, skin lesion or soft tissue lump, you can contact Compass Surgical to arrange a consultation with one of our surgeons.
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Will lump removal hurt?
The local anaesthetic injection can sting briefly, but once the area is numb, patients should not feel pain during the procedure.
Will I be asleep?
Usually not. Most lump and bump procedures are performed under local anaesthetic.
How long does the procedure take?
Most procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the lump.
Will I need stitches?
Many wounds require stitches, although the type depends on the procedure and location.
What happens to the lump after it is removed?
Most specimens are sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
You may also find these articles helpful:
• Do I Need Surgery for My Lump or Bump? (Article 3)
• What Are the Risks of Lump Removal? (Article 5)
• How Are Lumps and Bumps Diagnosed? (Article 2)
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Dr Thomas Hanna MBChB, FRCS, MSc, PGCE, PhD
Dr Thomas Hanna is a general and transplant surgeon practising in Auckland. He trained in the United Kingdom before moving to New Zealand in 2019. He has specialist interests in hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, minimally invasive surgery and the management of skin lesions and soft tissue lumps. Tom is a founding partner of Compass Surgical and is committed to patient-centred surgical care, clear communication and surgery performed with integrity.
Dr Peter Swan MBChB, FRACS
Dr Peter Swan is a general surgeon practising in Auckland with expertise in skin lesions, soft tissue lumps, hernia repair and gallbladder surgery. He is a founding partner of Compass Surgical. Peter’s practice focuses on practical, evidence-based advice, careful patient selection and personalised treatment.
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