A lipoma is a common, benign soft tissue tumor composed of fat cells, typically presenting as a small, fatty lump just beneath the skin. These growths are slow-growing, painless, and movable when pressed. Although lipomas are not cancerous and are usually harmless, many individuals seek diagnosis and treatment due to discomfort, rapid growth, or cosmetic concerns. This article identifies the medical professionals best qualified to perform the removal procedure.
Understanding Lipomas and When Removal is Recommended
Lipomas are usually identified through a physical examination, as they feel soft, rubbery, and distinct from surrounding tissue. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if the lump is unusually large, deep, or rapidly growing, imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be ordered. These scans help determine the lipoma’s exact size, depth, and whether it is pressing on nerves or blood vessels, which can cause pain.
Removal is often considered an elective procedure unless the lipoma is causing specific problems. Physicians recommend removal if the growth is painful, interferes with movement or function, or has reached a significant size (often several centimeters in diameter). Removal is also necessary if the diagnosis is unclear, requiring the doctor to rule out a rare, cancerous growth like a liposarcoma. Many people also choose removal for cosmetic reasons, especially when the growth is noticeable on exposed areas like the face or neck.
Specialists Qualified to Perform Lipoma Removal
The choice of specialist depends on the lipoma’s characteristics, including its size, depth, and location. Different medical professionals are trained for procedures of varying complexity and cosmetic sensitivity.
Dermatologists are frequently the first specialists consulted for small, superficial lipomas. They are experts in skin and subcutaneous conditions and often perform minor surgical excision procedures in an outpatient office setting. This option is preferred for growths that are easily accessible and do not require deep dissection.
For larger, deeper, or more complex lipomas, a General Surgeon is the appropriate choice. General surgeons have broad training and are equipped to handle growths near muscle tissue or those requiring general anesthesia for complete removal. Their expertise is also relied upon when the diagnosis is unclear and a full excision is required for pathological confirmation.
Plastic Surgeons are sought for lipomas located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, neck, or hands. They specialize in minimizing scarring through meticulous incision placement and advanced suturing techniques. Their focus on aesthetic outcomes makes them the preferred specialist when scar reduction is the primary concern.
Procedure Setting and Post-Removal Care
Lipoma removal is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient goes home the same day. Small, superficial lipomas are removed in a physician’s office or surgical suite using local anesthesia to numb the immediate area. Larger or deeper lipomas may require an operating room setting in a hospital or outpatient surgical center, sometimes utilizing sedation or general anesthesia.
The most common technique is surgical excision, where an incision is made over the growth and the entire lipoma is removed, resulting in a low chance of recurrence. For very soft or large lipomas, a technique similar to liposuction may be used to suction out the fatty tissue through a smaller incision. Following removal, the excised tissue is sent to a lab for a pathology review to confirm the benign diagnosis.
Post-removal care involves managing the surgical site and allowing the area to heal. Patients can expect mild discomfort, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers for the first few days. Sutures, if not dissolvable, are removed during a follow-up visit one to two weeks after the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for about a week to prevent straining the incision site and promote healing.