How Much Does a Single Lipoma Surgery Usually Cost?

Question

How much will a good doctor charge to remove a single lipoma (approx. 2-4 cm diameter in size)? What type of insurance covers this?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Insurance should cover this.
Especially a single isolated lipoma.  The concern is a mass of unknown origin may or may not be a lipoma.  History and physical exam may indicate that the lesion is probably a lipoma but biopsy is the only way to be sure.
At my San Francisco area practice under local anesthesia the price would be much closer to $1500 depending on the location, depth and size of the mass.  But again, typically this should be covered by insurance.
I hope this helps.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

insurance might or might not cover it.  If it does cover it you could still have to pay a substantial amount in deductible and co pay, especially if performed on a hospital surgicenter.  I can usually remove something like that in the office under local anesthesia and the cost be around $1250 total.  So you may well be best off just paying out of pocket.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In most cases, insurance will cover lipoma removal. Many lipomas may grow over time, cause functional problems, or cause discomfort. If many lipomas are present, and a diagnosis has already been made, some lipomas could be considered cosmetic, and the fees would vary for cosmetic removal depending on the size and location of the lipoma.
All the best,

Luis Villar, MD, FACS · Answer

The price of a lipoma is usually based on length of the incision which is based on size of the tumor. This is a catch 22 because a giant lipoma can be removed through a small puncture with minimal bruising, down time or scarring. 1200 to 2500 is reasonable for a monster lipoma if you do not want the scars associated with conventional techniques.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

A recent patient had a 5 x 7 cm lipoma removed and the insurance paid $1700. Since the lipoma was removed with the use of SmartLipo Triplex laser technology, the cost to the patient was more, about 3,000 of which she had to pay 1,300. Smaller lipomas cost less, but I do not treat these lipomas the same way as lesions that require cutting out. Since the goal is to have minimal scarring, the laser removal process is more involved, and takes longer. The removal is through one or two 5 mm incisions.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Lipomas can usually be removed under local anesthesia and run about $350-500 for a 2-4 cm lipoma. There are price discounts for multiple lipomas removed at the same time. Liposuction or surgical excision removal is simple and fairly easy with almost no pain afterward.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

A lipoma of 2-4 cm in size is fairly straightforward to excise. If you are able to tolerate the procedure with local anesthetic (awake surgery) then the cost should be less than $2500. However, if you require general anesthesia (be put to sleep for the surgery) then the cost could be as high as $4,000 to $6,000 depending on the operating facility. If the lipoma is located in a very sensitive area or is very deep, it may be best to have the surgery under general anesthesia. In my experience, the insurance companies will usually pay for excision of the mass, since it is an unknown growth in your body which needs to be removed and looked at under the microscope by a pathologist.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

The cost of a lipoma is usually covered by insurance . If you do not have insurance the cost can be anywhere from $800  to $1,500 or more.  I would recommend you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a large experience in Llipoma removal.Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Talk to your surg on first. Insurance likely roll cover this, so it will depend on your policy.

Robert S. Backstein, MD · Answer

In Canada, and specifically in Ontario where my practices are, lipoma excisions are uninsured procedures. This is not a decision made by doctors but rather one made by the Ministry of Health. The cost for lipomas in my practice done under local anesthesia ranges from $350 and up.

How Much Does a Single Lipoma Surgery Usually Cost?

Answers (14)

More Lipoma Removal Questions

Can a Lipoma in the Lower Back Cause Pain to Go Further Up my Back?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Lipoma Removal?

Lipoma Removal - Would Surgery Require an Overnight Hospital Stay?

Is my Lipoma from Whiplash?

Leg Lipoma Hurts, Should It Be Removed?

What Are my Lipoma Treatment Options?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS