Lipomas are one of the most common benign growths found under the skin, yet they often cause concern due to their size and appearance. If you have a lipoma, you might wonder what your treatment options are and whether it’s worth removing. We frequently treat patients with lipomas and understand their concerns. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through what a lipoma is, when removal might be necessary, and the different options available for treatment.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin, typically developing between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. Lipomas are composed of fat cells and are generally considered benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous and don’t usually pose any serious health risks. They tend to feel soft, doughy, and mobile under the skin and can vary greatly in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.

Common Locations of Lipomas

Lipomas can develop almost anywhere on the body but are most often found on the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back
• Arms
• Thighs

While lipomas can develop at any age, they are most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. They tend to grow slowly over time and may stay the same size for many years.

When Should You Consider Lipoma Removal?

Lipomas are usually harmless, but there are some situations where removal is recommended:

1. Pain or Discomfort: If the lipoma is pressing on a nerve or is in a location that causes discomfort, it may need to be removed.
2. Rapid Growth: If a lipoma suddenly starts growing rapidly or changes shape, it’s best to get it checked by a specialist.
3. Cosmetic Concerns: Many patients choose to remove lipomas for aesthetic reasons, especially if they are in a visible location, such as the neck or arms.
4. Difficulty in Diagnosis: Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if a lump is a lipoma or something more serious. In these cases, surgical excision and biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Understanding the Diagnosis Process

If you suspect you have a lipoma, the first step is to book a consultation with us or your GP. During your initial consultation, your doctor will take a detailed history and conduct a physical examination to assess the lump. The NHS GP may not be able to offer removal of lipomas on the NHS as these may be considered a low priority procedure which is not funded. Many patients now seek private care to have removal of lipomas that cannot be removed on the NHS.

Diagnostic Tests for Lipomas

In some cases, additional diagnostic tests might be needed, including:

• Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create an image of the tissues beneath the skin. It’s a quick and non-invasive way to confirm if the lump is a lipoma.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans provide a more detailed look at soft tissue and can help determine the exact size and depth of the lipoma.
• Biopsy: If there’s any uncertainty about the nature of the lump, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Lipoma Removal

There are several effective ways to treat lipomas, depending on the size, location, and patient preference. Here’s a detailed look at each treatment option.

1. Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is the most common and reliable method for lipoma removal. During the procedure, the lipoma and its surrounding capsule are completely removed, ensuring that it doesn’t grow back. This is particularly useful for larger or deeper lipomas.

• Procedure Details: Surgical excision is usually performed under local anaesthesia, but general anaesthesia may be needed for larger or multiple lipomas. A small incision is made over the lipoma, and the lump is carefully excised.
• Recovery and Scarring: After removal, the wound is closed with sutures. Scarring is usually minimal, especially when performed by a skilled surgeon, but the exact scar size depends on the size and location of the lipoma.

Pros:

• Complete removal with low risk of recurrence.
• Can be used for large or deep lipomas.
• Allows for biopsy if needed.

Cons:

• Leaves a scar, although often minor.
• Slightly longer recovery compared to other methods.

2. Liposuction

Liposuction is another effective method for lipoma removal, particularly for smaller lumps. A small incision is made, and a cannula is used to break up and suction out the fatty tissue.

• Procedure Details: The area is numbed with local anaesthesia, and a small tube is inserted to suck out the lipoma’s fat cells.
• Recovery: Because the incision is small, scarring is minimal, and recovery is faster than traditional surgery.

Pros:

• Minimal scarring.
• Quicker recovery.

Cons:

• Higher chance of recurrence if the capsule isn’t fully removed.
• Not suitable for all lipoma types.

3. Minimally Invasive Techniques

For certain cases, newer techniques like punch excision or endoscopic removal are gaining popularity. These involve smaller incisions and specialised instruments.

• Punch Excision: Similar to using a punch biopsy tool, this method allows the lipoma to be removed through a tiny incision.
• Endoscopic Removal: A small camera is used to visualise and remove the lipoma, particularly for those in hard-to-reach areas.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Lipomas

In some cases, non-surgical treatments can be considered, especially for small lipomas or for patients who prefer a less invasive approach.

1. Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can shrink the size of a lipoma by reducing inflammation and fat cell size. However, they rarely eliminate the lipoma completely.

• Procedure Details: A corticosteroid solution is injected directly into the lipoma, and the size gradually reduces over several weeks.
• Pros:
  • No incision or scarring.
  • Can reduce the size of small lipomas.
• Cons:
  • Often doesn’t remove the lipoma entirely.
  • May require multiple treatments.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves freezing the lipoma with liquid nitrogen to destroy the fat cells. This treatment is only suitable for very small lipomas and may not be widely available.

• Procedure Details: Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lipoma, which freezes and kills the fat cells. Over time, the lipoma shrinks and may disappear.
• Pros:
  • Non-invasive.
  • Minimal discomfort.
• Cons:
  • Only suitable for very small lipomas.
  • May cause skin discolouration.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses energy waves to heat and destroy the lipoma tissue. It’s a minimally invasive option and can be effective for smaller lipomas.

• Procedure Details: A thin probe is inserted into the lipoma, and radiofrequency energy is applied to heat and break down the fat cells.
• Pros:
  • Minimal scarring.
  • Can be done under local anaesthesia.
• Cons:
  • Not suitable for large lipomas.
  • Limited long-term data on effectiveness.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

The type of procedure you choose will influence your recovery time and post-operative care. For surgical excision, it’s essential to keep the wound clean and dry and follow up with your surgeon for suture removal if necessary.

• Recovery Tips:
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least a week post-surgery.
• Use silicone gel or sheets to minimise scarring.
• Report any unusual redness, pain, or discharge to your surgeon immediately.

Potential Risks and Complications

Like any procedure, lipoma removal carries some risks, although complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon. Possible risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Recurrence of the lipoma

Most complications are minor and easily managed with proper post-operative care and monitoring.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

The best treatment option for you will depend on several factors, including the size and location of the lipoma, your medical history, and personal preferences. Our doctors and plastic surgeons will discuss your options and recommend a tailored approach.

Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Lipoma Removal?

While many types of healthcare professionals can remove lipomas, a plastic surgeon has specialised training in aesthetics and surgical techniques. This ensures that not only is the lipoma effectively removed, but the cosmetic outcome is also prioritised.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lipoma Removal

If you’re considering having a lipoma removed, it’s natural to have a few questions. Here are some of the most common queries I receive from patients:

1. Can a Lipoma Come Back After Removal?

In most cases, lipomas do not recur after complete surgical excision. However, if the lipoma’s capsule is not entirely removed or if liposuction was used without excising the capsule, there is a higher chance of recurrence. It’s always important to discuss the risk of recurrence with your surgeon, especially if considering minimally invasive options like liposuction or punch excision.

2. Is Lipoma Removal Covered by Insurance?

Lipoma removal may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary—for example, if the lipoma is causing pain or discomfort, restricting movement, or has diagnostic uncertainty. However, if removal is for purely cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely to be covered. It’s best to check with your provider beforehand to understand your coverage.

3. Does Lipoma Removal Hurt?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, especially when local anaesthesia is used. Some swelling and soreness are normal for a few days following surgery, but pain is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. “I was nervous about the pain, but it was over before I knew it, and I barely felt anything!” says Tom, a patient who had a lipoma removed from his thigh.

4. How Do I Know if My Lump is a Lipoma or Something Else?

Lipomas are generally soft, mobile, and painless. However, not all lumps are lipomas, and some may require further investigation. If you notice a lump that is hard, immobile, or painful, or if it’s growing rapidly, it’s crucial to consult with a specialist to rule out other conditions.

5. What Size Lipomas Can Be Removed?

Lipomas of any size can be removed, although larger lipomas may require a more complex approach. The size and location will influence the type of anaesthesia used and the method of removal. For larger lipomas, general anaesthesia may be recommended, and the procedure might take longer.

Why Lipoma Removal Is Not a DIY Project

It’s tempting to consider home remedies or “DIY” removal options, but this is not advisable for several reasons:

1. Risk of Infection: Even minor surgical procedures require a sterile environment to avoid infection. Attempting to remove a lipoma at home can introduce bacteria and lead to serious complications.

2. Incomplete Removal: Removing the fatty tissue without the surrounding capsule almost guarantees the lipoma will return. Proper removal techniques ensure that the entire lipoma is excised.

3. Misdiagnosis: Not all lumps are lipomas, and attempting removal without proper diagnosis can be dangerous.

Personalised Care and Attention to Detail

Lipomas may be benign, but removing them is still a surgical procedure that requires skill and precision. Every patient is unique, and a plastic surgeon will take the time to evaluate the size, depth, and location of the lipoma before recommending the best treatment approach. This level of personalised care ensures that the outcome is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Final Thoughts on Lipoma Removal

If you have a lipoma that’s causing you concern or discomfort, there’s no need to live with it. Modern treatment options offer a range of solutions, from minimally invasive procedures to full surgical excision. By consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, you can get a clear diagnosis, discuss your treatment options, and choose the approach that’s right for you.

Lipomas might not be dangerous, but they can affect your quality of life, especially if they are large, painful, or in visible areas. Whether you’re looking to remove a lipoma for medical reasons or simply to feel more comfortable in your skin, there is a treatment option available that can address your concerns.

Getting Started: What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your lipoma and discuss the best treatment options based on its size, location, and your personal preferences. It’s essential to communicate your goals and any concerns you might have, so your surgeon can tailor the treatment to meet your needs.

• Diagnostic Testing: If needed, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI will be used to assess the lipoma’s depth and proximity to other structures.

• Discussion of Options: Your surgeon will explain the pros and cons of each treatment method, including surgical excision, liposuction, and non-surgical options like steroid injections or radiofrequency ablation.

• Personalised Plan: A treatment plan will be developed based on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Lipoma removal is a safe and straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic at our clinics in Manchester and Knutsford. With various treatment options available, there’s no need to let a lipoma impact your confidence or cause you discomfort. A plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic outcomes—ensures that you get the best possible results with minimal scarring and a smooth recovery.

If you’re considering lipoma removal, don’t hesitate to book a consultation. A thorough evaluation will provide you with peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about your treatment. Remember, while lipomas may not be dangerous, having them removed can significantly improve your quality of life, especially if they are causing discomfort or affecting your appearance.

Book an appointment today with our team of plastic surgeons for Lipoma removal in Manchester and Cheshire.