Is It Time for Lipoma Removal? Understanding Skin Lump Surgery Options

A lipoma is a benign lump that forms due to the buildup of fat cells beneath the skin. It is harmless and painless, but it can grow and create discomfort with time. Thus, most people remove it due to its enlarged size or appearance. If you, too, have a lipoma, let’s go through a complete overview of the removal process to make an informed decision.

Understanding Lipomas and When to Remove It

Usually, lipomas are no threat and pose no health risk, but with time, they might grow in size, leading to discomfort or even impacting their appearance. Thus, people choose to remove them as the rapid growth is often accompanied by physical pain or even affects mobility. Some lipomas are painless, whereas others can become problematic as they press against the nerves, causing soreness.

Surgical Removal Options for Lipomas

Popular surgical options include:

Excision Surgery

The most common way of removing a lipoma is through Excision, where a small incision is made over the lipoma, and the mass is extracted. The patient is given only local anesthesia, which is straightforward. However, the excision surgery leaves behind a small scar that takes time to fade. 

Liposuction

If the lipomas are smaller and softer, the surgeons would suggest liposuction, which implies a minimally invasive method. During the procedure, a small incision is made with a cannula, and the fat cells are removed through suction. It leaves a minimal scar and has a quick recovery time.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

The latest minimally invasive method for removing lipomas is small incisional extraction, depending on their size and location. The procedure performed is meant to reduce scars and shorten recovery time. It is a perfect solution for smaller lipomas that might not be easily visible. Browse https://www.wcongplasticsurgery.com.sg/skin-lump-surgery-lipoma-removal-singapore/ to find out more. 

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from lipoma removal surgery depends on the procedure used. If an Excision has been made, it will take one to two weeks to heal. However, throughout the recovery phase, patients are advised not to go through any strenuous activity. Over-the-counter pain relievers are advised to tackle mild pain, and if there is any swelling, it can be quickly resolved within a few days. However, post-surgery, the incision should be cleaned and dried. One also has to schedule regular check-ups to monitor the healing status. If there is any sign of a scar, it will take time to reduce; meanwhile, one can use a scar-reducing ointment.

Expected Results and Long-Term Considerations

After you have removed the lipoma through surgery, it is unlikely to reappear. However, if the lipoma is incompletely removed in some instances, such as liposuction, there is a fair chance for it to recur. Thus, regular monitoring is mandatory, and patients are advised to consult with the surgeon occasionally.

Final Words

It is entirely a personal decision to remove the lipoma. You might be dealing with discomfort or appearance issues, which finally leads to consulting with a cosmetic surgeon and having it removed. However, you must book an appointment with an experienced surgeon who will consider the size, location, and individual goals to choose the most appropriate treatment for you.