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It’s not uncommon to discover a soft, movable lump just under your skin — and often, that lump turns out to be a lipoma. A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of fat tissue that typically feels doughy or rubbery to the touch. Most lipomas grow slowly and are generally painless, but they can sometimes cause discomfort, limit movement, or simply be a cosmetic concern.
“While many lipomas don’t require treatment, we may recommend removing them if the lump is painful, growing, or bothersome,” shares Dr. Stephen Chagares, a general surgeon with Premier Surgical Network.
If you're wondering whether lipoma removal is right for you, understanding the process, from diagnosis through recovery, can help you make an informed decision with confidence.
What Is a Lipoma?
“Lipomas are soft, rubbery-feeling growths that typically form just beneath the skin,” Dr. Chagares informs. These non-cancerous lumps are composed of fatty tissue and are typically painless, movable, and harmless. “Most lipomas don’t cause problems,” Dr. Chagares assures, “but they can sometimes press on nearby nerves or tissues, causing discomfort.”
Lipomas can develop anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly found on the arms, back, neck, shoulders, and thighs. While the exact cause isn't always known, lipomas are often discovered during a routine exam or when a patient notices a lump that wasn’t there before.
When Should a Lipoma Be Removed?
While most lipomas are harmless and don’t require treatment, there are situations where removal may be the best option. For example, you may want to consider lipoma removal if you notice any of the following:
- Rapid growth or an increase in size
- Pain or pressure on nearby nerves, muscles, or tissues
- Cosmetic concerns, especially if the lump is visible or affects your confidence
- Interference with movement or daily activity, depending on the lipoma’s location
- A large size when diagnosed to rule out liposarcoma, a rare but more serious condition that can resemble a lipoma
If you're unsure, a simple evaluation by a qualified surgeon can help determine the best course of action.
How We Decide if Lipoma Removal is the Right Step
“To determine whether lipoma removal surgery is recommended, we’ll first perform a physical exam to check the lump’s size, texture, mobility, and tenderness,” Dr. Chagares shares. “Most lipomas can be diagnosed by touch alone, but if there’s any uncertainty, we may also run an ultrasound or MRI.”
In rare cases where the lump has unusual features, such as rapid growth, firmness, or pain, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions like liposarcoma before deciding on removal.
How Lipoma Removal Works
Lipoma removal is a straightforward procedure that’s typically done in the operating room either under local anesthesia, especially for small or easily accessible lumps, or with sedation (“twilight anesthesia"). Once the area is numbed, your surgeon will make a small incision directly over the lipoma and use a technique called blunt dissection to separate and remove the fatty mass from the surrounding tissue gently.
After the lipoma is removed, the incision is closed with stitches and covered with glue to protect the area as it heals.
Recovery After Lipoma Removal Surgery
“Most patients recover from lipoma removal surgery within a couple of weeks with minimal discomfort,” Dr. Chagares encourages. After surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow proper healing.
When it comes to scarring, this is typically minimal, especially for small lipomas removed through a precise incision.
Why Choose a Premier Surgical Network Lipoma Surgeon
Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon makes all the difference when it comes to lipoma removal. At Premier Surgical Network, our general surgeons are specially trained to perform this procedure with precision and care, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.
“If you have more than one lipoma or need another procedure, we can often combine treatments for your convenience, saving you time and recovery,” Dr. Chagares also informs.
Whether your lipoma is causing discomfort, growing in size, or simply something you want removed, we’re here to help. If you're experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about a lump, don’t wait—reach out to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chagares or another one of our lipoma surgeons and take the next step toward peace of mind.
