A lipoma surgery is one of the most preferred treatment options for lipomas.
Lipomas are soft lumps of fatty masses that develop underneath the skin. They rarely cause any discomfort but sometimes people may want to remove them due to cosmetic reasons, if they are growing in size, or are causing pain.
Typically, a lipoma removal surgery is a non-invasive procedure but it can get complicated if there are multiple lipomas.
A lipoma surgery is fairly quick and straightforward. The procedure is done under local anesthesia where the surgeon numbs the area around the lipoma. A small cut is made on the skin of the lipoma and it is removed. The wound is then stitched.
Alternatively, the surgeon may use a “squeeze technique” where the lipoma is squeezed out through a smaller incision. This technique is used to reduce scarring but is ineffective for treating a larger lipoma.
A lipoma removal surgery is a safe procedure and you may experience minimal discomfort after the surgery. If the surgeon has used absorbable stitches, they will dissolve on their own. Skin stitches on the face can be removed after 7 days and on other parts of the body within 10 to 14 days.
There may be some pain, bruising, and swelling at the surgical site in the first week but they will gradually resolve. You will be restricted from submerging in hot tubs, swimming, or driving for a few weeks until the wound site is healed properly.
Like any other surgery, some complications or risks may develop after an excision procedure:
A lipoma excision surgery can completely cure lipomas but there is a small chance of recurrence. There have been cases of recurrence of intramuscular lipomas that develop deep inside the muscles. If these lipomas are not removed properly, the remnants of the fatty tissues can grow back, enlarge, and infiltrate the surrounding tissues.
Many people may suggest undergoing liposuction which provides better aesthetic results as it involves a smaller incision and less scarring. Though liposuction is widely used and provides successful results, there are chances that the procedure may limit proper visualization, and fragments of residual lipomatous tissue may be still present in the body which can later grow in size and cause recurrence of the condition.
In certain cases, even after the complete removal of the lipoma, additional lipoma(s) can develop near the original surgical site.
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Lipoma surgery is a safe and effective procedure for treating lipomas. After undergoing lipoma surgery, it is crucial to take proper care of the wound site and follow instructions to prevent reoccurrence of the condition. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced foods, and leading a stress-free life can help manage the condition.
