What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a congregation of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule that usually develops just below the skin and over the underlying muscle. Lipomas do not typically require treatment because they are not cancerous growths, nor can they develop into cancer.
Symptoms of a Lipoma
While there are different kinds of skin tumors, a lipoma typically has distinct features.
- Is directly under the skin
- Moves easily when prodded with a finger
- Soft to the touch
- The tumor is colorless
- It grows slowly
Why should lipomas be removed?
Removal of lipomas may be recommended if they become tender or painful, acquire infection, become inflamed repeatedly, interfere with the patient’s movement or function, or become enlarged. A lipoma should be surgically removed for these reasons:
- The mass becomes bigger than five centimeters in size
- It causes symptoms such as limitation in motion, numbness, or pain
- It is causing a cosmetic deformity
What method is used in the removal of lipomas?
Surgical removal is used for most lipomas and can be done on an outpatient basis. The area around the lipoma will be numbed by injecting a local anesthetic. An incision will then be made, the lipoma removed, and then the incision will be closed with stitches. If the lipoma is too large to be done under local anesthesia you will be referred to a surgeon so the removal may be done in the operating room under general anesthesia.
What Happens After the Lipoma Is Removed?
You should be able to return home following your procedure. It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, or pain after the removal of a lipoma. However, do not worry as these symptoms could subside within a few days.
The Cost of Lipoma Removal Surgery
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation at Deschutes Dermatology, our team can take the time to carefully examine the issue, formulate a personalized procedure plan, and address any questions or concerns you may have. We will let you know what the expected cost of your procedure will be and let you know about the payment options available to you.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have a lipoma that you would like to have surgically removed, contact Deschutes Dermatology today to schedule a consultation for your lipoma removal procedure. Our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the exceptional surgical care they need.
