Lipomas

Lipomas are usually painless masses of fatty tissue that commonly form during the middle years of life. While these bumps are typically harmless, they can become obtrusive if they grow larger or develop in a prominent area of the body. In very rare cases, other tumours can resemble a lipoma, which is why these masses should always be checked by an experienced physician to rule out that possibility.

If you decide to have a lipoma removed, surgical removal is usually the procedure of choice. It is preferable to choose a plastic surgeon for this treatment, since these doctors are trained in excisions that leave the best possible cosmetic result. Dr Teston offers surgical removal of lipomas in her office, or in the case of massive lumps or patients that would like to have multiple lipomas removed at one time, the surgery can be performed in an accredited hospital.

Before Your Surgery

The first step in lipoma treatment is to diagnose the growth, usually during a physical examination. Lipomas are smooth, soft and doughy, and will freely move about if pressure is applied. While most are small and painless, when left unchecked, the lumps can grow quite large. They often appear on the upper body, but can form nearly anywhere. You can have a single lipoma, or dozens can develop over time.

If you decide you want your lipoma removed, surgical excision is the treatment of choice in most cases. Dr Teston will discuss the procedure with you in detail, which will vary based on the size and location of your bump, as well as whether you are removing a single lipoma or multiple lumps at one time.

During Your Procedure

Dr Teston will either perform your lipoma removal in her office or an accredited medical facility. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, but she may recommend general anaesthesia if the surgery is more extensive. If the lipoma is large Dr Teston will use a technique involving liposuction to remove the lipoma and uses small incisions around the lipoma in the most inconspicuous location possible to minimise visible scarring afterward. If the lipoma is small she will only make an incision long enough to remove the mass, taking care to remove it entirely to reduce your risk for a recurrence. Incisions are then closed using tiny sutures, again to reduce your post-operative scarring.

After Your Surgery

Dr Teston performs lipoma removal as a day surgery, which means you will be able to go home shortly after your procedure. If the removal was minimal, you will likely even return to your daily activities right away. If surgery was more extensive, you might be more comfortable resting at home for a day or so to give your body ample time to recover. It will be important to care for your incisions per Dr Teston’s instructions to ensure the best healing process. You will return to her office within one week so she can remove your sutures and check the progression of the incision as well.

Lipomas are not typically a major concern, but they can be irritating and even cosmetically embarrassing when they occur in prominent locations. Surgical excision by a plastic surgeon like Dr Teston is the best way to eliminate the unsightly bumps while preserving your aesthetics. To learn more, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Lipomas was reviewed by Dr. Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Procedures Offered


With more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr Teston is qualified to provide a broad range of plastic surgery procedures. Some of the choices available to her patients include:

Breast Enhancement

No matter what cosmetic goals you might have for your breasts, Dr Teston can help you achieve them. One of her specialties is correcting asymmetries between the breasts that cause a woman to feel self-conscious about her body. Other breast procedures offered by Dr Teston include:

Facial Improvements

Whether you are concerned about the effects of ageing or looking to correct an imperfection that has been nagging you throughout your adult life, Dr Teston offers procedures to enhance and refresh your appearance. She can customise any of the following to your specifications and facial proportions:

  • Facelift to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
  • Eyelid surgery to correct drooping and rejuvenate the area around the eyes
  • Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping to create symmetry, remove imperfections, or restore the nose after injury
  • Otoplasty (or ear surgery) to correct ears that stick out or are disproportionately large
Body Contouring

Body contouring is an effective way to put the final touches on your body shape when you can’t get there with diet and exercise alone. Body contouring is usually recommended for patients that have achieved a healthy, stable weight and may include the following:

  • Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) to tighten and flatten the midsection
  • Lift procedures to shape and firm the upper arms and thighs
  • Liposuction to remove isolated, stubborn areas of fat from nearly anywhere on the body
  • Labiaplasty to correct discomfort due to either developmental or hormonal enlargements or scarring
Skin Treatments

As the largest organ of the body, the skin deserves special attention. When you want to get rid of unsightly moles, fatty lumps, or other concerns, Dr Teston is prepared to eliminate the blemish and leave the best cosmetic results behind. Some of the concerns Dr Teston can treat include:

Hand Restoration

Your hands are one of the most functional and visible parts of the body, and when they are injured or affected by a debilitating condition, the effects on your life can be dramatic. Dr Teston offers hand surgery to treat many of these concerns, with the following being some of the hand conditions she treats:

When you are in search of a plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Teston offers a valuable female perspective, extensive training and experience, and a commitment to the highest level of patient care. To learn more about our practice, contact our office today at (02) 9708 3511.