LIPOMA REMOVAL
CLINICAL SCOPE & TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Lipomas are common benign soft tissue tumors composed of mature fat cells. They typically present as soft, mobile, slow-growing lumps beneath the skin and are frequently discovered incidentally.
Many individuals have one or more lipomas without symptoms. Others may notice gradual enlargement, discomfort, or cosmetic prominence depending on size and location.
Lipomas are sometimes mistaken for cysts. Unlike cysts, lipomas do not contain keratin, do not drain, and cannot be treated with incision and drainage. Because they arise from fatty tissue rather than the skin surface, lipomas require a different evaluation and treatment approach.
Patients whose concern involves a draining or inflamed lesion are encouraged to review our Epidermal & Pilar Cyst Removal page, which addresses those conditions specifically.
WHY THIS PAGE EXISTS
Many patients presenting for cyst evaluation believe they have a lipoma, or search for “lipoma removal” when evaluating a subcutaneous lump.
This page clarifies which lipomas can be safely and appropriately treated at IVSI, and when referral to an outpatient surgical or hospital-based setting is required.
MEDICAL VS. COSMETIC CARE
Lipoma removal may be considered medically necessary when a lesion is:
- Painful or tender
- Compressing nearby structures
- Rapidly enlarging
- Limiting function, clothing, or equipment use
Most lipomas, however, are removed for cosmetic reasons, particularly when asymptomatic. Insurance coverage is not guaranteed and is reviewed carefully prior to scheduling.
WHAT WE TREAT AT IVSI
IVSI offers ambulatory surgical removal of selected lipomas that are appropriate for in-office care.
Lipomas considered for treatment typically are:
- Superficial and well-circumscribed
- Located above the fascia
- Limited in size
- Clinically consistent with benign behavior
- Suitable for removal under local anesthesia
Surgical treatment consists of incision and careful dissection to remove the lipoma in its entirety, including lobulated components when present, to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In some cases, imaging studies may be required to confirm lipoma depth, location, and involvement of surrounding structures before treatment planning.
IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS & REFERRALS
Not all lipomas are appropriate for in-office removal.
The following situations typically require referral to an outpatient surgical or hospital-based setting:
- Very large lipomas
- Deep or subfascial lipomas
- Lipomas involving muscle planes or neurovascular structures
- Lesions requiring general anesthesia
- Patients seeking removal of multiple lipomas in a single session
IVSI does not offer liposuction-based lipoma removal.
When a procedure cannot be safely offered in the clinic,
appropriate referral to a specialist is provided.
A
medical consultation and physical examination by the physician are required to determine procedural suitability; this cannot be assessed or confirmed
over the phone.
SETTING REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
- Lipomas are not removed through very small incisions like cysts
- Adequate exposure is required to safely remove the entire lesion
- A linear scar is expected following excision
- Healing and cosmetic outcome depend on lesion size, location, skin tension, and individual healing response
Patients requesting removal of multiple lipomas for cosmetic reasons should understand that insurance coverage is unlikely, and treatment may need to be staged.
DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS
While lipomas are benign, lesions that are:
- Firm
- Rapidly enlarging
- Fixed
- Painful without a history of trauma
- Atypical in location or behavior
may require further evaluation or imaging prior to treatment. Malignant soft tissue tumors (such as liposarcoma) are rare, but must be excluded when clinical features are atypical.
PROCEDURAL APPROACH AT IVSI
When appropriate, lipoma excision is performed under local anesthesia using precise surgical techniques designed to:
- Minimize bleeding
- Preserve surrounding tissue
- Support predictable healing
Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up are provided based on individual findings.
Learn more about our approach to Skin Surgery & CO₂ Laser Procedures.
WHEN TO SEEK EVALUATION
A professional evaluation is recommended if a lump is:
- Growing
- Painful
- Firm or fixed
- Interfering with daily activities
- Cosmetically concerning
- Uncertain in diagnosis
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on clinical findings, diagnostic requirements, procedural suitability, and patient-specific factors. Cosmetic outcomes may vary.