If you’ve noticed a soft, movable lump under your skin that’s causing discomfort or affecting your confidence, it might be a lipoma—a benign growth of fatty tissue. While lipomas are non-cancerous and typically harmless, they can become bothersome due to their size, location, or appearance. At the Toronto Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in expert lipoma removal, offering safe, effective procedures with minimal scarring. With over 15,000 successful surgeries and a dedication to patient-centered care, we’re here to help you achieve smooth, lump-free skin in Toronto and Oakville.
Understanding Lipomas
A lipoma, often referred to as a "fatty tumor" or "fatty lump," is a benign growth composed primarily of adipose (fat) tissue. These lumps form in the subcutaneous layer just beneath the skin, though they can occasionally extend deeper into muscle or connective tissue. Encased in a thin fibrous capsule, lipomas are soft, rubbery, and typically painless. While they pose no significant health risk and rarely become malignant, they can appear anywhere on the body where fat tissue exists, including:
Think of a lipoma as a small, squishy ball of fat tucked under your skin—like a soft pea or marble that shifts slightly when you press it. It’s a harmless cluster of fat cells that grows slowly over time. While lipomas don’t usually hurt, some people opt for removal due to cosmetic concerns (e.g., a visible lump on the neck) or discomfort (e.g., pressure on a nerve). At TMSC, we make the removal process quick, safe, and tailored to your needs.
How Lipomas Differ from Other Lumps
Not all lumps are lipomas, so understanding their characteristics can help you identify them:
Lipoma: Soft, rubbery, movable, typically painless.
Sebaceous Cyst: Firmer, sometimes with a central opening, and may be tender.
Fibroma: Hard, fibrous, and often fixed in place.
Lymph Node: Firm, located near glands, and linked to infection or illness.
Unsure about your lump? Our surgeons offer free consultations to assess it through a physical exam and, if needed, imaging or biopsy.
Symptoms of Lipomas
Lipomas are usually subtle, but their presence can vary depending on size and location. Here’s what to look for:
Appearance: Soft, oval or round lumps beneath the skin that move slightly when touched.
Size: Typically small (less than 5 cm), though some grow larger over months or years.
Color: Matches your skin tone, though some may appear slightly reddish or yellowish due to the skin stretching over them.
Location: Can develop anywhere, with common spots being the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
Additional Symptoms: Usually painless, but discomfort may arise if the lipoma presses on nerves, joints, blood vessels, or organs. Rarely, rapid growth or tenderness may signal a need for evaluation
If your lipoma is causing pain, growing quickly, or changing in appearance, it’s wise to consult a professional. At TMSC, we’ll assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.
Causes of Lipomas
The precise cause of lipomas remains a mystery, and there’s no way to prevent them. However, several factors may contribute to their development:
Genetics: Lipomas often run in families, hinting at a hereditary link. Conditions like hereditary multiple lipomatosis, Gardner’s syndrome, Cowden’s syndrome, Madelung’s disease, and adiposis dolorosa are associated with an increased risk of multiple lipomas.
Age: Most common in adults aged 40-60, though they can appear at any age.
Gender: Slightly more prevalent in men than women.
Physical Trauma: Some speculate that injuries might trigger lipoma formation, but this theory lacks strong scientific backing.
Unlike myths suggest, lipomas aren’t tied to diet or obesity—they can appear in anyone, regardless of lifestyle. If you’re concerned about a lump or have a family history of lipomas, our team can provide expert insight.
Lipoma Removal Toronto
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.
Treatments for Lipomas
At TMSC, our board-certified plastic surgeons excel in surgically removing lipomas using local anesthesia. This outpatient procedure involves a small incision, complete extraction of the lipoma (including its capsule), and precise stitching to promote healing with minimal scarring. It’s quick, effective, and performed in our state-of-the-art clinics in Toronto and Oakville.
Non-Surgical Options
While surgery is the gold standard, non-surgical alternatives exist, though they’re less effective:
Observation: Small, symptom-free lipomas can be left alone and monitored over time.
Steroid Injections: These may shrink a lipoma temporarily, but they don’t remove it fully, and regrowth is common.
Liposuction: Used for larger lipomas, this method suctions out fat through a small incision, but it may leave the capsule behind, risking recurrence.
For permanent removal and optimal results, surgical excision remains the preferred choice.
Why Surgical Removal?
Opting for surgery offers clear advantages:
Permanent Elimination: Removing the entire lipoma prevents regrowth in the same spot.
Cosmetic Benefits: Say goodbye to visible lumps in areas like the arms or neck.
Symptom Relief: Alleviates discomfort from pressure on nerves or tissues.
Peace of Mind: Tissue analysis confirms its benign nature.
Our surgeons prioritize this method for its reliability and patient satisfaction.
Lipoma removal at TMSC is a streamlined, patient-focused process designed for comfort and efficiency. Here’s how it works:
Pre-Operative Consultation
Your experience starts with a free, no-referral-needed consultation:
Assessment: We examine the lipoma’s size, location, and characteristics.
Discussion: We’ll explore your goals—cosmetic, functional, or both—and explain the procedure.
Planning: Often, we can perform the surgery the same day, minimizing wait times.
The Surgical Procedure
Performed in under 30 minutes, the process includes:
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia numbs the area, ensuring a pain-free experience. Sedation is available for larger lipomas or anxious patients.
Incision: A small, precise cut is made over the lipoma, often placed in a natural skin fold for minimal visibility.
Extraction: The lipoma is carefully removed, including its capsule, to prevent recurrence.
Closure: The incision is closed with fine stitches using our "tiny scar" technique.
You’ll head home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Post-Operative Care
Recovery is straightforward with our guidance:
Wound Care: Keep the site clean and dry to avoid infection.
Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for 5-7 days.
Pain Management: Mild soreness can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Follow-Up: We’ll schedule a visit to check healing and remove stitches if needed.
Preparing for Lipoma Removal Surgery
Proper preparation ensures a smooth procedure:
Medication: Avoid blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) for a week prior to reduce bleeding risk.
Transportation: While you can drive home after local anesthesia, a companion is recommended.
Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable outfits to avoid irritating the surgical site.
Fasting: If sedation is used, you may need to fast—our team will advise accordingly.
We’ll provide tailored instructions during your consultation.
Lipoma Removal Recovery and Managing Scars
Recovery is quick, with most patients back to normal within days. Here’s what to expect:
Immediate Aftermath: Mild swelling or soreness may occur, manageable with pain relievers.
First Week: Keep the area clean and avoid water submersion (e.g., baths or swimming).
Stitch Removal: Non-dissolvable stitches come out in 7-10 days.
Scar Management: Use silicone gel or sheets and avoid sun exposure to minimize scar visibility.
Our surgeons aim for incisions half to two-thirds the lipoma’s size, strategically placed for optimal cosmetic results.
How Much Does Lipoma Removal Cost in Toronto?
At TMSC, lipoma removal starts at $550 in Toronto and Oakville. Costs vary based on:
Size: Larger lipomas may require more time.
Location: Delicate areas (e.g., face) demand extra precision.
Complexity: Multiple or deep lipomas may increase the price.
Visit our pricing page for details or call (647) 614-1611 for a personalized quote. We offer transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and assistance with OHIP documentation if the lipoma causes symptoms
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.
Why Choose TMSC for Lipoma Removal In Toronto?
TMSC stands out as the top choice for lipoma removal in Toronto and Oakville:
Expertise: Our board-certified plastic surgeons have performed over 15,000 procedures with exceptional outcomes.
