Understanding Lipoma Removal: Procedures, Costs, and When To Do It

If you’ve discovered a lump beneath your skin, you might have a lipoma. While most lipomas are harmless and don’t need treatment, factors such as size, discomfort, or concerns about appearance can lead to the decision to remove them. Here’s what you need to know about the lipoma removal process, including what to expect during the procedure, recovery, and cost before making a decision.

Lipoma Removal Surgery: Your Top Questions Answered

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a lump of fatty tissue that develops in the body’s soft tissues. It’s typically smooth to the touch, but it may also be firm and pliable. Lipomas can move slightly when pushed. They usually form in healthy individuals for no specific reason.

What Causes Lipomas?

Several factors may contribute to their development:

1. Genetics: Lipomas can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
2. Age: Lipomas are more common in people 40 to 60.
3. Previous Injuries: Prior injuries to a specific body area may lead to lipoma development.
4. Conditions: Certain conditions, such as Madelung’s disease, Cowden syndrome, adiposis dolorosa, or Gardner’s syndrome, can increase the likelihood of developing lipomas.

Other risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease, and glucose intolerance.

Are Lipomas Cancerous?

No, lipomas are not cancerous and do not pose a cancer risk.

What Are Common Reasons for Lipoma Removal?

1. Appearance: Many people remove a lipoma because they don’t like how it looks, especially if it’s prominent or in an awkward location.
2. Growth: Removal may be considered if the lipoma has become more prominent.
3. Discomfort or Tenderness: If the lipoma is causing pain or discomfort, it may be advisable to remove it.
4. Location: Removal might be recommended if the lipoma is located in a sensitive or unpleasant area.
5. Medical Advice: Your doctor may recommend removal to rule out other conditions such as cancer.

How Are Lipomas Removed?

1. Surgical Removal: The most common treatment removes the lipoma completely and is typically done as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia.
2. Liposuction: This less-invasive option uses a vacuum to remove the lipoma’s fatty tissue.
3. Steroid Injection: This treatment may help shrink the lipoma but usually does not eliminate it completely.

Before considering removal of lipoma using one of these options, your doctor may recommend monitoring it first if it is small, is painless, and does not cause any other issues.

Some people wonder if they can remove a lipoma themselves, and the answer is no. It is a surgical procedure performed by qualified healthcare professionals.

Is There Lipoma Treatment Without Surgery?

Although surgery is usually recommended, nonsurgical treatments include:

• Dietary Changes: Reducing fat intake and eating anti-inflammatory foods may help manage lipomas.

• Herbal Supplements: Herbs and supplements like turmeric and guggul may reduce inflammation and fat deposits.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may help prevent new lipomas or manage existing ones.

These treatments have not been scientifically proven to eliminate lipomas. Consult your NCSH physician to ensure what’s right for you.

What Is Recovery Like After Lipoma Removal Surgery?

• Managing Post-Procedure Care: After the surgery, the incision site will be bandaged, and if stitches were used, your doctor will provide instructions regarding their care and when to return for removal (if necessary). You may experience some soreness.

• Managing Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended.

• Monitoring Activity Level: Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure, but your doctor may tell you to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a short period.

• Watching for Complications: Look for signs of infection, such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, pus, nausea, or vomiting.

• Scheduling Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the incision site and remove stitches if needed.

Most patients heal without complications, and scarring is typically minimal.

How Much Does Surgery of Lipoma Cost, And Is It Covered by Insurance?

Lipoma removal costs vary by size and location, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500.

Insurance may cover it if it is deemed medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage and estimate the cost beforehand.

Talk to Your NCSH Surgeon About Lipoma Removal

Whether it’s causing discomfort or concerns about your appearance or health, if you are considering lipoma removal surgery, talk to a surgeon in our General Surgery Department at North Carolina Specialty Hospital, conveniently located right here in the Durham community.

Our team of experienced, fellowship-trained surgeons performs a broad range of elective and emergency procedures, from lipoma removal, appendectomies, and gall bladder removal to mastectomies, biopsies, and hernia repair. Learn more about our General Surgery Department and its services.