Lipoma Excisions
Lipoma excision is a surgical procedure to remove a lipoma, which is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fatty tissue that develops just beneath the skin. Lipomas are soft, slow-growing, and usually painless, although they can cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns depending on their size and location.
Characteristics of Lipomas
- Soft and Movable: They feel rubbery and can usually be moved under the skin.
- Painless: Most lipomas are not tender unless pressing on nerves or near sensitive areas.
- Slow-Growing: They increase in size gradually over time.
- Common Locations: Neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.
Reasons for Lipoma Removal
- Cosmetic Concerns: If the lipoma is large or noticeable.
- Pain or Discomfort: If the lipoma presses on nerves, muscles, or joints.
- Rapid Growth: To rule out malignancy, although lipomas are rarely cancerous.
- Mobility Issues: If the lipoma interferes with movement.
- Uncertainty in Diagnosis: To confirm it is a benign lipoma and not a more serious condition.
Procedure Steps
- Preparation:
- The area is cleaned, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the region.
- In some cases, general anesthesia may be used for large or deep lipomas.
- Incision and Removal:
- The surgeon makes an incision over the lipoma.
- The fatty tissue is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and removed entirely.
- Closure:
- The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue, depending on its size.
- The area is dressed to promote healing.
- Post-Procedure:
- Patients receive instructions for wound care.
- Pain relief medication may be prescribed if necessary.
Recovery
- Healing Time: Typically 1–2 weeks for small excisions; larger ones may take longer.
- Scarring: Minimal with proper care, but scarring depends on the size and location of the lipoma.
- Complications: Rare, but can include infection, bleeding, or recurrence.
Considerations
- Lipoma excision is generally a safe and straightforward outpatient procedure.
- Removing the lipoma in its entirety reduces the risk of recurrence.
- The excised tissue may be sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Southlake Dermatology
Connect With Us
© 2024 Southlake Dermatology. All Rights Reserved. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices | Terms of Service
