Lipoma Surgery: What is Done During the Procedure? Step-by-Step Guide

Lipoma Surgery: What is Done During the Procedure? Step-by-Step Guide

Lipomas are gentle, fatty lumps that many people have without even knowing. While usually harmless, some lipomas might become painful, increase in size, or start compressing nerves or nearby tissues. In such situations, doctors suggest surgical excision for relief and clarity.

If you've been ordered to undergo surgery, it is natural to be confused about what to expect. This step-by-step guide walks you through the procedure — from diagnosis to post-surgery recuperation — so that you're informed and less stressed about what is involved.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, slow-growing lump of fat under the skin, sitting above the muscle, and it isn't cancer. Adults are most likely to have them; they are typically small (2–5 cm), painless, and mobile. They usually appear on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or thighs—sometimes as several lumps (lipomatosis).

Unlike cysts, lipomas are slow-growing and don't contain pus. Although harmless, they can be uncomfortable, restrict movement, or be unsightly—prompting surgery.

Read More: [Lipoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment](/laser-surgery/lipoma)

When Is Lipoma Surgery Needed?

Surgical removal isn't always necessary. However, surgeons may recommend surgery in the following situations:

• The lipoma grows steadily or becomes very large
• It is uncomfortable, tender, or painful
• There's visible swelling that affects appearance or self-esteem
• When the lump presses on nearby nerves or blood vessels, it can lead to numbness or a tingling feeling.
• There's uncertainty about the diagnosis (to rule out liposarcoma)
• It gets in the way of movement or daily function

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Pre-surgery planning for lipoma surgery will first involve the doctor examining the bump by feeling it (palpation) to determine its size, hardness, and mobility. If the lipoma is too deep or close to important organs, the lipoma specialist doctor may do a scan, like an ultrasound or MRI. Blood tests will help assess if you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and anesthesia. The doctor will check your medical history, medicines you are taking, and allergies. Thereafter, the surgeon will explain all about the surgery, answer any questions, and get your consent.

Types of Lipoma Removal Procedures

Lipomas can be removed through various techniques depending on size and location:

• Excision Surgery: Most frequent technique; the lump is completely excised, along with its capsule, reducing recurrence.
• Liposuction: Fat is removed from the body through a small incision. That means a small closed scar, but it can remain dormant to grow again.
• Minimal Access (Endoscopic/Laser): Small incisions allow better cosmetic results, less often, and not for all situations.

Complete removal with the capsule is important to avoid recurrence.

The Day of Surgery: What to Expect

You will come in early to the hospital or clinic. If general anesthesia is going to be used, fasting for 6–8 hours may be necessary. The majority of cases receive local anesthesia, which permits discharge the same day.

Before surgery, the area is marked and cleaned. You'll be positioned comfortably, and anesthesia—usually local—is given. Once the site is numb, the procedure begins.

Step-by-Step Surgical Procedure

Here's how lipoma surgery typically progresses:

1. Incision – The surgeon makes a tiny cut close to the lump.
2. Separation – The surgeon cuts all around the lipoma very carefully and with no affection to the nerves and vessels nearby.
3. Removal – The mass, along with its own capsule, will be taken out together.
4. Closure – The incision will be closed with stitches, surgical glue, and adhesive strips.
5. Dressing – A clean dressing will be placed, and gentle pressure may be applied to reduce swelling.

Duration of the Procedure

Taking out a lipoma does not take long, and it's an easy surgery most time. The procedure can be as short as 15 to 30 minutes for small, superficial lipomas. Larger, deeper, or multiple excisions done in one session will take up to an hour or more.

The duration depends on the location, size, and proximity of the lipoma to sensitive organs like nerves or blood vessels. Regardless of the duration, the majority of the procedures are done as daycare cases, meaning you will be home the same day.

Pain, Bleeding & Risks Involved

While safe, lipoma surgery, like any other procedure, involves potential risks:

• Pain: Painful tenderness or aching is normal for 2–3 days and will be managed by medication.
• Bleeding: Not much bleeding happens, unless the lipoma has more blood vessels inside.
• Scarring: A small scar will result, but they all resolve over time.
• Infection: Infections can happen sometimes, but keeping the wound clean and cared for usually stops this.
• Recurrence: Uncommon if the entire lipoma (and capsule) is removed.
• Damage to nerves: Extremely rare, but a risk if the lipoma is close to an important nerve.

Physicians take extra precautions to minimize these risks with sterile procedures and post-operative instructions.

Post-Operative Immediate Care

After surgery, you'll be watched briefly during recovery. If general anesthesia was used, drowsiness is expected. Most patients go home on the same day, particularly with local anesthesia.

A dressing will be placed over the wound, and home care instructions will be given. Maintain the area as dry and clean as possible, avoid lifting heavy objects, and follow medical guidelines. If non-absorbable stitches are employed, suture removal is typically planned in 7–10 days. Light activities are usually permitted within 1–2 days, depending on the operation site.

Conclusion

Removing a lipoma is usually quick and straightforward. The procedure is generally quick and tends to have good results. If your lump hurts, looks bad, or if doctors are unsure what it is, surgery can help and give you peace of mind.

When you understand what happens before, during, and after the surgery, you won't feel so scared. Most people return to their normal life after a few days. Only a small scar is left from the quick and easy procedure.

FAQs:

Q1. Does lipoma excision hurt?

Ans: No. The procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during surgery. You might feel some discomfort after surgery.

Q2. How long will it take to heal?

Ans: Most people can get along just fine within a day or two. You should be able to get back to activities shortly, depending on where the surgery was done.

Q3. Will the lipoma come back?

Ans: Recurrence is unlikely if the entire lipoma and capsule are removed properly.

Q4. Is insurance available to cover lipoma removal?

Ans: If the lipoma is symptomatic or medically distressing, it is typically covered. Cosmetic removals are not.

Q5. Can I have more than one lipoma removed at once?

Ans: Yes, most surgeons can remove more than one lipoma during a single procedure, depending on their size and location.

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