Lipomas – Treatment
A lipoma develops beneath the skin, in the subcutaneous tissue, and appears as a soft, smooth mass that can shift slightly when palpated but is not painful.
Its exact cause is unknown and it arises from the accelerated proliferation of fat cells, leading to a localized accumulation of fat. It is often surrounded by a firm membrane called a fibrous capsule.
Lipomas are more commonly observed in men than women, primarily in the upper body.
Although a lipoma does not become malignant, it should be removed if it grows larger than 10 centimeters, compresses nerves or joints causing numbness or discomfort, or causes a noticeable cosmetic concern. Removal is also necessary if the lipoma becomes infected.
Plastic Surgeon Georgia Chorti has extensive experience in removing even large lipomas, including those located near muscles adjacent to the spine or head, while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. Depending on the location or size of a lipoma, a clinical examination may be followed by imaging, such as a soft tissue ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Lipoma removal is typically performed under local anesthesia in the clinic, unless the location or size requires a surgical room and general anesthesia for safety.
In special cases where a lipoma is in a difficult-to-access area and surgical removal is not recommended, the doctor can apply an injectable lipolysis treatment. This uses phosphatidylcholine, derived from specially processed soy, which when injected into the lipoma, reduces its volume.