Lipoma Removal

If you notice a lump under your skin causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns, it could be a lipoma. Though benign, lipomas (fatty lumps) can be bothersome. If you seek removal in Toronto or Oakville, our experienced, board-certified surgeons are here to help. With over 15,000 successful surgeries, our team is dedicated to providing expert care and minimal scarring.

Understanding Lipomas

Picture of Lipoma

A lipoma, often called a fatty tumor or fatty lump, is a non-cancerous growth found just beneath the skin. It's made up of fatty tissue, nerve endings and hair follicle roots. These elements come together in the skin's deepest layer. Sometimes, lipomas can go even deeper. While they are generally harmless and rarely turn malignant, they can appear anywhere there’s fat tissue. You might find them on your neck, upper arms, thighs, forearms, armpits, back, abdomen and forehead.

In Simple Terms: What is a Lipoma?

Imagine a soft, rubbery lump under your skin that moves slightly when you touch it. That’s a lipoma. It’s made up of fat and is usually harmless. You might notice it on places like your neck, arms or back. Even though it doesn’t cause pain, some people choose to remove it for cosmetic reasons or because it bothers them.

Symptoms of Lipomas

  • Appearance: Soft, oval lumps just beneath the skin that move when touched
  • Size: Typically small, less than 5 cm
  • Color: Matches skin tone, sometimes slightly reddish
  • Location: Can develop anywhere on the body
  • Additional Symptoms: Usually painless unless affecting joints, organs, nerves, or blood vessels

Picture of Lipoma Symptoms

Causes of Lipomas

The exact cause of lipomas, also known as benign fatty growths, isn’t known. They aren’t preventable and there are no indicators to predict their development. While they usually appear in adulthood, genetic factors might play a role. Conditions associated with lipoma formation include:

  • Hereditary multiple lipomatosis
  • Gardner’s syndrome
  • Cowden’s syndrome
  • Madelung’s disease
  • Adiposis dolorosa

There’s also some debate about whether physical injuries might cause lipomas.

Treatments for Lipomas

At TMSC, our board-certified surgeons use local anesthesia for lipoma removal through a straightforward surgical excision. This involves making an incision over the lipoma, removing it and stitching the skin. The local anesthesia ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

How is a Lipoma Removed?

While non-cancerous and often harmless, lipomas (fatty deposits under the skin) can cause cosmetic concerns. Typically, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses local anesthesia to numb the area, allowing them to remove the lipoma painlessly. For larger lipomas, sedation might be considered.

How Much Does Lipoma Removal Cost?

Picture of Lipoma Removal

The cost to remove a lipoma starts at $550 at our surgery clinics in Toronto and Oakville. The final price varies based on the size, location and complexity of the lipoma. Please visit pricing page for an overview of our pricing.

Lipoma Removal Without Surgery

Non-surgical options for lipoma removal are limited. While there aren’t proven non-surgical treatments to completely remove lipomas, some patients explore options like steroid injections to shrink them. However, surgical removal remains the most effective method to permanently eliminate lipomas.

How to Remove a Lipoma Yourself

DIY removal of lipomas is highly discouraged because of the risk of complications like infection, excessive bleeding and scarring. It’s crucial to seek professional medical advice and treatment for safe and effective removal. Our board-certified surgeons at TMSC are equipped with the expertise to perform this procedure safely.

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Lipoma removal surgery is done for aesthetic or discomfort reasons. Unlike liposarcomas (malignant tumors), benign lipomas can develop anywhere, such as the thighs, chest, arms, armpits, neck and shoulders. Men aged 40-60 are more prone to lipomas. Our surgeons ensure a thorough and precise removal process, minimizing scarring and discomfort.

Looking for lipoma removal services in Toronto or Oakville? Our board-certified surgeons at TMSC are conveniently located to serve you. We provide top-notch care in a safe and comfortable environment, ensuring your experience is as smooth as possible.

Surgical Procedure Overview

The most effective way to permanently remove a lipoma is through surgery, performed by our skilled plastic surgeons. Typically, local anesthesia is used, though general anesthesia might be necessary for larger or strategically placed lipomas. The surgeon makes a small incision, removes the lipoma and closes the wound with stitches, ensuring minimal scarring.

Pros and Cons of Lipoma Removal Surgery

Pros:

  • Prevents further growth of the lipoma
  • Confirms the non-cancerous nature of the growth
  • Enhances appearance and comfort
  • Eliminates pain and discomfort

Cons:

  • Risk of infection or irritation
  • Potential for scarring, though minimized by our surgeons
  • Possibility of lipoma recurrence

Post-Surgery Downtime

After surgery, patients typically experience minimal downtime. Some discomfort is normal for a few days but doesn’t hinder daily activities. Depending on the lipoma's location, a brief recovery period might be advised before resuming routine tasks.

Lipoma Removal Recovery

Recovery from lipoma removal surgery is usually quick and straightforward. Patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Our surgeons provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring.

Managing Scars

The incision size is usually between half to two-thirds the size of the lipoma. Larger lipomas might need bigger incisions. Our surgeons prioritize minimal scarring and optimal results, using scar management gels post-surgery.

FAQs

Why Remove a Non-Cancerous Lump?

Even benign growths, such as lipomas (adipose tissue tumors), can affect blood vessels, nerves and joints if they expand. Deep lipomas might cause complications like bleeding or organ pressure.

Can You Remove Lipomas at Home?

DIY removal is risky and can cause injury, excessive bleeding and scarring. Professional removal by our board-certified surgeons ensures safety and proper care.

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Lipoma Removal?

Lipoma removal is a safe, outpatient procedure. Risks include minor scarring, bruising and rare infections, all of which are discussed during your consultation.

Duration of Results

Lipoma removal yields permanent results, though recurrence or new growths nearby are possible, especially with larger lipomas.

Pain Level of Lipoma Surgery

Lipoma surgery is painless due to local anesthesia. Patients might feel pressure but no pain. For extensive lipomas, general anesthesia may be recommended.

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