Lipomas: Harmless Lumps, but When Should You Remove Them?

Cited Research

A lipoma is a soft, benign tumor of fat cells under the skin. Most are harmless and grow slowly — but several factors push the calculation toward removal.

Reasons to remove

  • Painful or pressing on a nerve.
  • Visible cosmetic concern.
  • Rapid growth or change in character (always biopsy).
  • Interference with clothing or movement.

Procedure

Most lipomas are removed under local anesthetic in 30–45 minutes through a small incision. Sutures come out at 10 days. Recurrence is rare when the entire capsule is excised.

References & Further Reading

This article is general information about procedures we perform. It is not medical advice and does not replace an assessment by a physician who has examined you. Individual results, risks and recovery vary.