Restore Your Most Comfortable Skin:
Expert Lipoma Excision at The Plastic Surgery Center
Overview
Lipomas are benign, slow-growing fatty tumors that typically develop between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. While usually harmless, individuals often choose to have lipomas removed for cosmetic reasons, discomfort, or if the growth interferes with movement or clothing fit.
Lipoma excision surgery is a relatively straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the lipoma, carefully separates it from surrounding tissues, and removes the entire fatty mass. The incision is then closed with sutures, and the individual can typically return home the same day. Recovery is generally quick, with most individuals resuming normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on the size and location of the removed lipoma.
Summary
Surgical Options
There are a few different surgical options for lipoma removal. Choosing the best option depends on the size and location of the lipoma, your personal health history, and your aesthetic goals. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial, as they can assess your specific case and recommend the most appropriate technique.
- Traditional excision: Standard open surgery using a scalpel to remove the entire lipoma.
- Minimal excision technique: Uses a smaller incision, squeezing out the lipoma through a narrow opening.
- Liposuction: Removes smaller lipomas using suction, leaving minimal scarring.
- Endoscopic removal: Uses small incisions and a camera for precise removal of larger or deeper lipomas.
- Laser-assisted lipolysis: Employs laser energy to liquefy the fatty tissue before removal.
- Steroid injections: Not strictly surgical, but can shrink some lipomas, potentially avoiding surgery.
Candidate?
Lipoma removal is generally considered an elective procedure, as these growths are typically benign and do not pose immediate health risks. However, removal may be recommended if the lipoma causes pain, interferes with movement, grows rapidly, or needs to be biopsied to rule out other conditions. Candidates for lipoma removal include:
- People with large or growing lipomas
- Those experiencing pain or discomfort from the lipoma
- Individuals concerned about the appearance of the lipoma
- People whose lipomas interfere with movement or daily activities
- Those with lipomas in sensitive or problematic locations
- Individuals worried about potential malignancy (though lipomas are usually benign)
- People with multiple lipomas (lipomatosis)
- Those whose lipomas cause compression of nearby structures
- Individuals seeking diagnosis confirmation through biopsy
Consultation
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Questions
about this procedure?
What to Expect
During lipoma excision surgery, you'll typically be awake but relaxed. The procedure begins with one of our surgeons cleaning and marking the area, then administering local anesthesia to numb the site. Once the area is numb, your surgeon makes an incision over the lipoma. The size of the incision depends on the lipoma's size and the chosen surgical technique. The surgeon then carefully separates the lipoma from surrounding tissues and removes it entirely. In some cases, a drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup.
After removal, your surgeon closes the incision with sutures, which may be absorbable or require later removal. The area is then bandaged. The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the lipoma's size and location. You'll be able to go home the same day, often immediately after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions, including how to care for the incision site and when to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Recovery &
Results
Recovery
The recovery process after lipoma excision surgery is generally straightforward. Most individuals can return home immediately after the procedure and resume light activities within a day or two. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the incision site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. It's important to keep the incision site clean and dry, following your surgeon's specific care instructions. Depending on the size and location of the removed lipoma, you may need to limit certain activities or movements for a short period, typically 1-2 weeks. Sutures, if not absorbable, are usually removed within 7-14 days.
Results
The results of lipoma excision are typically excellent, with most individuals experiencing complete resolution of their symptoms and improved appearance of the affected area. The lipoma is permanently removed, and recurrence at the same site is rare. However, this doesn't prevent new lipomas from forming elsewhere on the body. Scarring is usually minimal and fades over time, though the extent can vary based on the size of the lipoma and the surgical technique used. Most patients report high satisfaction with the procedure, citing relief from discomfort and improved self-confidence. Long-term follow-up is generally not necessary unless multiple lipomas were present or there were concerns about the nature of the growth.
Our Gallery
Surgeons
The expert surgical team at The Plastic Surgery Center has extensive experience performing lipoma excisions. Our world-class surgeons, recognized for their exceptional skills and innovative techniques, combine artistry and precision to deliver natural-looking results in our state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care
Andrew Elkwood
MD, FACSHamid Abdollahi
MD, FACSPeter Andrawes
MDEric I. Chang
MD, FACSKari L. Colen
MD, FACSStephen Dudick
MDRitwik Grover
MDSean Herman
MD, FACSZuhaib Ibrahim
MD, FACSMatthew Kaufman
MD, FACSChris Lakhiani
MDMatthew Lynch
MDAhmed Nasser
MDRobert T. Nevitt III
MDTushar Patel
MD, FACSSidney Rabinowitz
MD, FACSDavid Rayfield
MDMichael Rose
MD, FACSAdam Saad
MD, FACSMohit Sood
DOHakan Usal
MDJonathan Weiswasser
MD, FACSEric Wimmers
MD, FACSMark Yazid
MDJoseph Dayan
MDFinancing & Insurance
Lipoma excision is often covered by insurance if it is for medical reasons. If you want to learn more about estimated costs and coverage, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support staff at 833-615-2621.
Our Process
During your consultation, our expert surgeons will listen and work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve.
Your Options
We will review and explain all of your cosmetic options and identify which procedure is right for you.
Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.
Lipoma Excision Near Me
Financing & Insurance
Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.
Request a Consultation
Don't let concerning skin lipomas go unchecked. Schedule a consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center today to have our expert surgeons evaluate your case and provide personalized care for safe, effective lipoma excision.