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 lipoplasty (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.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of lipoma removal include:

• Scarring
• Infection 

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

Lipomas are not typically a major concern, but they can be irritating and even cosmetically concerning 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.