Lipoma removal

A lipoma (fatty tumor) is a benign neoplasm that develops from fat cells. It has a round or oval shape and is soft to the touch. On average, it reaches 2–3 cm in diameter but may progress to 10 cm or more.

A lipoma, or fatty tumor, forms as a result of localized proliferation of adipose tissue cells. The exact mechanism of its development has not been fully clarified; however, in clinical practice, a number of factors are identified that increase the risk of such neoplasms. Lipomas are often associated with situations in which a patient notices a lump under the skin or a hard lump under the skin that slowly increases in size without causing pain at the initial stages.

Lipomas can develop in any part of the body where adipose tissue is present. They most commonly appear on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, thighs, and arms. Much less frequently, they affect internal organs and muscle tissue.

The main causes and contributing factors to the development of lipomas include:

• Genetic predisposition. Some individuals have a hereditary tendency to develop lipomas, especially when there are cases of multiple lipomatosis among close relatives;

• Metabolic disorders. Disturbances in lipid metabolism, hormonal changes, and insulin resistance can create conditions for pathological accumulation of adipose tissue;

• Soft tissue trauma. In areas of injury or chronic mechanical pressure, localized thickening of adipose tissue may sometimes form;

• Diseases of the endocrine system. Disorders of thyroid, adrenal, or pancreatic function may indirectly influence the development of lipomas;

• Systemic rare conditions. In isolated cases, multiple lipomas may be a manifestation of rare diseases, such as Madelung’s disease or Dercum’s disease, which have different mechanisms of development and clinical presentations.

It is important to understand that a lipoma is not a result of improper nutrition or excess body weight. Lipomas can occur both in individuals with excess weight and in patients with a normal body build.

It is not possible to independently determine the nature of a subcutaneous mass. To establish an accurate diagnosis, a consultation with a surgeon is required.

The method of lipoma treatment is determined individually and depends on the size of the lesion, its location, growth rate, and the presence of other symptoms.

Small lipomas that do not increase in size and do not cause pain or functional impairment may not require removal. In such cases, a watchful waiting approach with monitoring of the lesion’s condition is used. However, if any changes occur — such as growth, hardening, discomfort, or pain — the treatment strategy is reconsidered.

Particular attention should be paid to large lipomas, as well as fatty tumors located in the head, neck, or abdominal area. Such formations require careful evaluation, as different types of tumors may have similar external features. Without comprehensive diagnostics, it is not possible to completely rule out a different nature of the lesion, including a malignant process.

To уточення the diagnosis and determine further management, instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods may be used, including ultrasound examination, computed tomography, and biopsy followed by histological analysis. Based on the examination results, indications for lipoma removal and the optimal treatment method are determined.

Laser liposuction is the most common method, as it provides minimal damage to healthy tissues, no significant blood loss, and optimal aesthetic results. Lasers are often used to remove lipomas near the eye, lipomas on the face, lipomas behind the ear, lipomas on the neck, etc.

Liposuction is used mainly for large lipomas on the leg or lipomas on the back, as well as other areas of the body when it is necessary to reduce their volume. In this case, the capsule in which the fat accumulates is not removed, which increases the risk of recurrence. To eliminate it, laser or surgical excision is recommended.

Removal of a lipoma on the face or body is performed without hospitalization. The procedure usually takes no more than half an hour, and the entire stay in the clinic is up to 2–3 hours. Removal of a large lipoma on the back, leg, or another area of the body may take longer.

To ensure the patient does not feel pain or discomfort, local anesthesia is performed before surgery.

During surgical removal, the surgeon cuts the skin with a scalpel, excises the lipoma along with the capsule, sanitizes the wound, and applies sutures.

If laser removal is performed, the surgeon dissects the skin around the neoplasm using a laser beam. The lipoma is then excised with the capsule. The use of a laser minimizes damage to healthy tissues, and blood vessels coagulate immediately, eliminating severe bleeding. After the procedure, the surgeon, if necessary, applies cosmetic sutures and covers the wound with a sterile dressing.

During liposuction, no skin incisions are made. A special needle is inserted into the lipoma, through which fat tissue is destroyed and aspirated. After the procedure, a small bandage (plaster) is applied to the puncture site.

In some cases, after removing a lipoma on the neck or another body area, the material is sent for histological analysis to accurately determine the nature of the neoplasm.

In general, recovery after lipoma removal proceeds without complications provided that the doctor’s recommendations are followed. Timely care of the postoperative wound, limitation of physical activity, and adherence to prescribed instructions contribute to faster healing and reduce the risk of complications. The final rehabilitation timeline and the need for additional follow-up are determined individually, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s individual characteristics.

Although lipoma removal is considered a relatively safe surgical procedure, in certain cases the operation may be temporarily postponed or performed after appropriate patient preparation.

The main contraindications to lipoma removal include:

• acute infectious and inflammatory diseases. Surgical intervention is postponed until full recovery and stabilization of the patient’s condition;

• exacerbation of chronic diseases. Surgery is performed after remission is achieved;

• blood clotting disorders. In cases of coagulopathies or anticoagulant therapy, the decision on removal is made on an individual basis;

• severe decompensated diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or endocrine systems;

• inflammatory skin conditions in the area of the planned intervention;

• pregnancy. Lipoma removal is usually postponed unless there are urgent medical indications.

In most cases, these contraindications are temporary. After stabilization of the patient’s condition and elimination of limiting factors, the possibility of lipoma removal is reconsidered.

The cost of the operation depends on several factors, including the size and location of the lipoma, the chosen removal method and anesthesia. The surgeon will advise you more precisely on this issue during the preliminary consultation. He will conduct an examination and determine the method by which the fat mass on the body should be removed, after which he will calculate the cost of the procedure.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices here.

«Oxford Medical» employs a team of highly qualified surgeons and has installed expert-class equipment that allows for operations of any complexity.

Removal of a fat mass on the head, face or other part of the body is performed by plastic surgeons. They use both classic methods of removing lipomas using a scalpel, and innovative ones using a laser knife or liposuction. Which method will effectively remove the fat and obtain the best aesthetic result is determined individually.

Make an appointment for a consultation with a surgeon and lipoma treatment at a time convenient for you.