Lipomas are common, benign (non-cancerous) fatty lumps that grow under the skin, they're usually: (1)

• Soft and squishy.
• Appear anywhere on the body, especially the back, forehead, or neck.
• Can move slightly when compressed.
• Grow slowly.
• Usually painless.

Lipomas are generally harmless and don't require treatment. However, some people may prefer to have them removed if they are large, bothersome, or located in an undesirable area.

Can a lipoma Be Removed Without Surgery?

While surgery is the only definitive way to remove lipomas permanently, there are several non-surgical options available that can be effective in some cases. However, these methods may not always completely remove the lipoma, and there is a possibility of recurrence.

Non-surgical methods include: (2)

• Corticosteroid injections: This is a common treatment for small lipomas (less than 2.5 cm). After local anesthesia, a corticosteroid is injected directly into the lipoma, causing the fatty cells to shrink and reducing the lump size. Multiple injections are usually required, spaced one month apart, with results usually evident within the first month.

• Liposuction: liposuction can be used in some cases for lipomas. This procedure involves using a needle and cannula to suction out the fat after numbing the area locally.

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a newer, non-surgical option for lipoma removal, it is used to destroy the fatty cells without incisions or pain, leading to the gradual shrinkage and disappearance of the lipoma. However, laser therapy may not be suitable for all types of lipomas, especially larger ones. (3)

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out, surgery is the only definitive way to permanently remove the entire lipoma.

 For larger lipomas with a diameter larger than 4 cm, the surgeon may use liposuction to partially reduce the lipoma size before surgical excision.

Lipoma removal surgery is a very straightforward procedure, The surgery scar is typically minimal and fades significantly over time. Here's an overview of the surgery steps: (4)

• The surgeon first administers local anesthesia by injecting a numbing agent into the skin around the lipoma.
• Once the anesthesia effect starts, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin using a scalpel and removes the entire lipoma.
• Depending on the size and depth of the incision, the surgeon may close the wound with sutures and cover it with a bandage.
• You won't feel any pain during the procedure and usually return home immediately after. 
• Your surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the sutures (if necessary), typically within a week or two.

It's very rare for a lipoma to recur after surgery. If it does, it usually appears in a different location on the body.

Choose Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital for safe and effective lipoma removal. Schedule your consultation today with our expert dermatologists or plastic surgeons.

Preparation Tips for Lipoma Removal

It's normal to feel nervous before having a lipoma removed, but regardless of the type of procedure, it is not frightening at all, and you won't feel any pain thanks to local anesthesia.

To ensure a smooth and successful procedure, follow these tips: (5)

• Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes, especially where the lipoma is located.
• You don't need to fast before the procedure, so you can eat and drink as usual on the day of the surgery unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Inform your surgeon about all the medications you are currently taking. Some medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners, may increase the risk of bleeding and may need to be temporarily discontinued before the procedure. Never stop any medication without first consulting your doctor.

References 

1. NHS - Lipoma
2. AAFP - Lipoma Excision
3. NIH NLM - Lipoma management with a minimally invasive 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser technique
4. Mayo Clinic - Lipoma
5. Cleveland Clinic - Lipoma