Lipoma Removal Explained: What to Expect from Your Skin Lump Surgery?

Often, non-cancerous lumps develop under the skin, called lipomas. These are usually harmless, but medical practitioners typically recommend removing them. The primary removal process is called excision, and the fundamental reason for removing them is to achieve cosmetic enhancement. Lipoma removal surgery is relatively minor; however, if there are multiple lipomas, then it can become more invasive. So, let's get to know what you can expect from a skin lump surgery.

· How do you identify your lipoma?

Lipomas are round and oval fatty masses formed below the skin. They are non-cancerous, usually soft, and the size of a pea. When pressed, they tend to move slightly; they do not cause any pain but tend to grow slowly. The most prominent areas where lipomas are found are the arms, shoulders, upper back, and buttocks. They are also seen around the thigh and calf region.

· When should you remove lipoma?

Lipoma usually does not require any removal process, but a surgeon can recommend lipoma removal surgery if it starts getting more prominent, causing pain, or bothering cosmetically. Medical practitioners typically recommend removing them. The primary removal process is called excision, and the fundamental reason for removing them is to achieve cosmetic enhancement.

· How is the lipoma removed?

The only possible way to remove a lipoma is through excision, where a small cut is made on the skin to remove the mass. It can be performed in the surgical center or doctor's office. There are specific instructions that you should follow before proceeding with the surgery.

1. Pre-surgery process

Before the procedure starts, the area should be cleaned with antibacterial soap. The patient is prescribed not to take blood thinners or ACE inhibitors on the day of the procedure and to stop any other medication that can interfere with the process.

2. During the surgical process

Local anesthesia is injected around the lump to numb the area. A small cut is made in the skin over the lipoma, then removed. The wound would be stretched, and the entire process would take less than an hour. However, if the lump is large, you might be administered with general anesthesia through an IV. The squeezing technique is often used to minimize the scarring, but it has proven effective in the case of more extensive lipoma.

Post-surgery

You can go home on the same day of the procedure based on the number of stitches the surgeon has done. These are usually dissolvable, but if not, you must remove them after 7 or 10 days. For a few days after the surgery, you will feel pain, which can be easily managed by over-the-counter medication. If you notice swelling, it can be reduced by applying ice over the bandages. It is recommended to wait a couple of days before getting involved in your daily activities or exercising.

· The risk associated with lipoma surgery

There is no risk associated with the surgery, and it is a safe procedure. However, you have to be careful so that the infection does not develop or the stitches do not break. Otherwise, you might feel nauseated, vomit, experience a rash on the skin, fever, swelling, and develop redness and pus after 7 or 10 days. For a few days after the surgery, you will feel pain, which can be easily managed by over-the-counter medication. If you notice swelling, it can be reduced by applying ice over the bandages.

Final words

The alternative treatment for lipoma removal surgery is liposuction, which involves chemically reducing the fat cells. But whatever the situation, you must always seek a recommendation from your surgeon at https://www.wcongplasticsurgery.com.sg/skin-lump-surgery-lipoma-removal-singapore before you proceed with the cosmetic surgery.