Lipoma Removal
What are Lipomas?
Causes of Lipomas:
The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to their development, including:
- Genetic predisposition: Lipomas may run in families, suggesting a genetic component to their formation.
- Trauma: Injury or trauma to the fatty tissue may trigger the growth of a lipoma.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal imbalances or changes may play a role in the development of lipomas.
Symptoms of Lipomas:
Lipomas typically present as:
- Soft, rubbery lumps beneath the skin.
- A round or oval shape with defined borders.
- Mobility when pressed or moved with gentle pressure.
- No associated pain or tenderness unless the lipoma presses on nerves or organs.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing a lipoma usually involves:
- Physical examination: Your dermatologist or healthcare provider will examine the lump and assess its size, shape, texture, and mobility.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the size and location of the lipoma.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for lipomas may not be necessary if they are small, asymptomatic, and not causing any cosmetic concerns. However, if removal is desired or if the lipoma is causing symptoms, options may include:
- Surgical excision: Lipomas can be surgically removed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes an incision over the lipoma, removes the growth, and closes the incision with sutures.
- Liposuction: For larger or multiple lipomas, liposuction may be used to remove the fatty tissue through a small incision.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be administered directly into the lipoma to reduce its size and symptoms.
Recovery Time:
Risk Factors:
While lipomas are generally harmless, potential risks associated with surgical removal may include:
- Infection at the incision site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Scarring.
- Recurrence of the lipoma in the same location.
Preparation for Surgery:
To prepare for Lipoma removal surgery, patients may be advised to:
- Avoid certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility.
- Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by the Rejuuvmed surgeon, including fasting before the procedure if necessary.
Alternatives:
Non-surgical alternatives to lipoma removal may include observation (if the lipoma is small and asymptomatic) or steroid injections to reduce its size. However, these options may not provide permanent resolution for larger or symptomatic lipomas.
Lipomas may be a common benign growth, but they can be effectively treated and removed with the appropriate approach. If you’re bothered by the presence of a lipoma or experiencing discomfort, consult with a Rejuuvmed surgeon to explore removal options and achieve smoother, blemish-free skin.