Lipoma Removal

Lipomas are caused by an overgrowth of fat cells. When we look closely, we can see that they are made up of large normal-looking fat cells arranged as lobules within a fibrous capsule.

This growth typically occurs with the passage of time, as our bodies tend to naturally acquire various lumps, bumps and other imperfections as the years progress.

This is quite normal, and some will go away by themselves and others will not. The cause is often hereditary.

Lipomas are soft, fatty accumulations that tend to form just beneath the surface of the skin in middle age and the cause is often hereditary.

Our genes, which are passed down to us from our parents and generations before them, tend to determine everything about our physical appearance and development.

Sometimes the genetic code contains faults that can result in minor imperfections or hindrances that we barely notice, and sometimes the conditions can be more severe.

Lipomas can be caused by such genetic flaws, but they are nothing to worry about.

Lipomas can form in any part of the body where there are fat tissues present - most commonly on the arms, shoulders, upper back, chest, thighs and buttocks.

Lipomas are very common and can be anything from the size of a small pea to a few centimetres across. They can grow as large as 10cm if left untreated for many years.

You may find that they move slightly when you press them, but should feel soft, rubbery and squishy to touch.

Lipomas are generally not painful and grow slowly. Some will stay the same size for many years.

Most patients only feel uncomfortable about them when they become noticeable after many years. In rare instances, lipomas may develop deep inside the body and may cause symptoms when they press against blood vessels, nerves, or organs.

The most common reasons for lipoma removal are cosmetic. Once they have formed, lipomas are unlikely to simply go away on their own, no matter how long or how patiently you wait for them to disappear.

Many patients are bothered by the appearance of lumps and blemishes, consider them to look unsightly, or find that clothes or jewellery snag on them.

Recovery time is minimal, you will be able to immediately resume daily activities, although you may be asked to wear a dressing for a few days as the site of the treatment could be slightly tender.

But there is rarely any scarring and the result is usually improved self-confidence and self-esteem, and peace of mind.

Surgery is the only effective way to remove lipomas.

There are various home remedies for reducing lipomas, but these are not recommended by the Cadogan Clinic as there is no research to prove that they work effectively.

Lipomas occur naturally with the passage of time wherever there are fatty deposits, so it is not always possible to prevent lipomas.

That said, being overweight or obese is one of the main preventable causes of the appearance of lipomas, as the more fatty deposits the more likely you are to develop lipomas.

Treatment is typically via surgical excision. Lipomas tend to be cut out quite easily, often through a tiny stab incision. Deeper ones can be more diffuse and less easy, but still possible to carry out under local anaesthesia.

There are variants where other tissues occur in the fat, for instance, blood vessels. These angiolipomas are common and not much extra trouble. Those occurring on the nape of the neck are fibrous and diffuse and difficult to remove completely.

Liposuction can be used to remove or reduce larger lipomas. The incision can be hidden. The drawback is that histology is more difficult. One wants to know that this lipoma is not malignant. In addition, one may not remove all the lipoma, making recurrence more frequent.

Lipomas may recur if not completely removed. Even with excision, it is easy to leave a lobule behind. Where people have multiple lipomas, it may just be a new one appearing.

The vast majority of lipomas are quickly removed under local anaesthesia, although it is possible to have lipomas removed under general anaesthetic in cases where they are very large.

There is one group of patients who inherit the condition of Familial Multiple Lipomatosis as a dominant gene. These people may develop tens (or hundreds) of lipomas over their lifetime.

The condition is not common. Surgeons can remove up to 10 or so lipomas at a time.

Lipomas are mostly treated for cosmetic reasons and are not cancerous. That said, a small number may become malignant.

The lipoma must be removed and then assessed under a microscope. Some signs that your lipoma may be problematic include if they are large, growing fast, painful or in an unusual place, such as deep in the muscle.

For this reason, one should always arrange for lipomas removed to be checked histologically after excision.

There is a small risk of bruising or that you may bleed more than expected, or get an infection but this is rare. 

There is also a possibility that a pocket of fluid or blood may form under your skin. This may heal on its own, or you may require further treatment to remove it. 

Very occasionally lipoma removal leaves a permanent scar, but this is rare.

It is possible you may scar following your lipoma removal, depending on the size and position of the lipoma, your natural propensity to scarring and the skill of your surgeon.

Our highly experienced surgeons are specially trained to leave minimal scarring.