Skin & Soft Tissue Lesions | Lipoma Removal Surgeon in Birmingham, AL

Often referred to as lumps and bumps these can sometimes be removed in the office. These are rarely malignant but only a medical professional can help determine this. Our lipoma surgeon is capable of removing these lumps and bumps via lipoma removal surgery. Experienced and fully capable of performing lipoma surgery.

When should you have a lipoma removed?

Lipomas are generally benign tumors consisting of fat cells that develop under the skin. Whether or not to remove a lipoma depends on various factors, including its size, location, symptoms, and the individual's preferences. Here are some considerations:

Size: Larger lipomas may cause discomfort, impede movement, or be aesthetically bothersome. Removal is often recommended for lipomas that are growing rapidly or exceed a certain size.

Symptoms: Lipomas are usually painless, but if they cause pain, tenderness, or interfere with daily activities, removal might be necessary.

Location: Lipomas located in areas that experience friction or pressure, such as the armpits, groin, or between skin folds, can become irritated or painful. Surgical removal is commonly recommended for such lipomas.

Cosmetic concerns: Lipomas on visible parts of the body, such as the face or neck, may cause self-consciousness. In such cases, removal can be performed for cosmetic reasons.

Diagnostic uncertainty: Occasionally, lipomas may be confused with other types of tumors. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, removal may be necessary to confirm the nature of the growth.

Ultimately, the decision to remove a lipoma is based on the individual's unique circumstances and preferences. Consulting with a healthcare professional is important to assess the specific characteristics of the lipoma and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Lipoma Removal Process

Lipoma removal procedures typically involve surgical techniques to excise the lipoma. Here are some common methods:

The most common approach is to make an incision over the lipoma, remove the fatty tissue, and close the incision with sutures. This excision method is effective for larger or deeper lipomas.

In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove smaller or softer lipomas. A small incision is made, and a cannula is inserted to suction out the fatty tissue.

Lastly, sometimes, minimal incision techniques involve making smaller incisions to minimize scarring. They may include endoscopic-assisted removal or lipoma shave excision, where the lipoma is shaved off using a specialized instrument.

What To Expect after Lipoma Removal

After lipoma removal, patients can usually go home right away, but they should anticipate a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing of the treatment area. Regardless of the excision technique used, Dr. Harris typically sends a sample of the removed lipoma to a laboratory for testing, ruling out any cancerous concerns in the fatty tissue. While lipomas are typically benign and not cancerous, stringent precautions are taken to prioritize the safety and well-being of every patient.