When considering lipoma removal surgery, you should determine which doctor to see. While various medical professionals can perform this surgery, certain doctors specialize in specific areas and may be more suitable based on individual needs and preferences.
A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fatty tissue that grows beneath the skin. It is typically painless, soft to the touch, and moves easily with slight pressure. While lipomas are not harmful or life-threatening, they can cause discomfort or self-consciousness depending on their location and size.
These fatty lumps can grow on any body part but are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. They may range in size from a small pea to a large grapefruit and usually do not require treatment unless they are causing discomfort or interfering with daily activities.
The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, although they tend to run in families and may be hereditary. Other factors that may contribute to their development include previous injuries or traumas to the affected area, hormonal imbalances, and age.
The following signs may indicate a need for removal surgery:
Role: Your primary care physician is often the first point of contact for healthcare concerns, including evaluating skin abnormalities like lipomas. Their role is to diagnose and treat general medical conditions and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
Specialty Training: Primary care physicians complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year medical school program. They then enter a residency training program for three or more years, focusing on general medicine.
Suitable For: Routine lipoma evaluations, diagnosis of underlying conditions, and referral to specialists if needed.
Role: Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing skin disorders. They can identify potential skin cancer risks by examining lipomas and performing surgical procedures for their removal.
Specialty Training: After completing a four-year undergraduate degree and four-year medical school program, dermatologists must complete a residency in their specialty for three or more years. Some may also undergo additional fellowship training to specialize further.
Suitable For: Evaluation and removal of lipomas, particularly if there is concern about skin cancer risks.
Role: Plastic surgeons are specialists in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including the removal of lipomas. They have extensive training in surgical techniques and can address cosmetic concerns while removing the lipoma.
Specialty Training: After completing a four-year undergraduate degree and four-year medical school program, plastic surgeons undergo additional residency training for three to five years in general surgery, followed by two to three years of plastic surgery residency.
Suitable For: Complex or multiple lipomas, as well as cosmetic concerns related to removing lipomas.
Role: General surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions. They can perform surgery to remove lipomas when necessary and manage any complications that may arise during or after the procedure.
Specialty Training: After completing a four-year undergraduate degree and four-year medical school program, general surgeons undergo residency training for five or more years, focusing on surgical procedures.
Suitable For: Complex or multiple lipomas and those located in sensitive areas requiring specialized surgical techniques.
Role: In rare instances where a lipoma shows atypical features or raises concerns for malignancy, an oncologist may be consulted for further evaluation. Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Specialty Training: After completing a four-year undergraduate degree and four-year medical school program, oncologists must complete a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics for three years, followed by an oncology fellowship for two to three years.
Suitable For: Evaluation of atypical lipomas or those that may have potential for malignancy.
When it comes to removing a lipoma, what doctor to see depends on various factors, including your overall health and the lipoma's size, location, and complexity. It is essential to choose a doctor with experience in evaluating and removing lipomas and any potential complications that may arise during or after the surgery.
Researching and consulting with your primary care physician can help you determine the best specialist to see based on your individual needs. It is also crucial to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have before deciding. With the right doctor and proper care, lipomas can be safely removed with minimal risk and discomfort.
Medical professionals will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history to diagnose a lipoma. They may also order imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine the lipoma's size, location, and characteristics. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out any potential malignancy.
While many lipomas do not require treatment, there are techniques your doctor may recommend to remove them if necessary. These include:
The most common method for removing lipomas is surgical excision, where the tumor is cut out from under the skin. This option may be recommended for larger lipomas that cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, or show signs of atypical features.
Surgical excision is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. It can be done under local anesthesia and usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The incision made during the procedure is usually small and can be closed with stitches or left open to heal on its own.
For smaller and more superficial lipomas, doctors may opt for a minimally invasive technique called liposuction, which involves using a small needle and suction device to remove the fat cells from under the skin. This method typically results in less scarring and quicker recovery than surgical excision.
Steroid injections may be recommended for smaller or asymptomatic lipomas that are not suitable for surgical removal. These injections can help shrink the lipoma and reduce discomfort, but they may not completely remove it.
Before undergoing lipoma removal, you will have a consultation with your doctor to discuss the procedure and address any concerns or questions. During this evaluation, your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history, examine the lipoma, and discuss the best course of treatment. They may also recommend imaging tests to determine the lipoma's size, location, and characteristics.
Depending on the type of procedure, your doctor may recommend certain preparations, such as fasting or stopping certain medications before surgery. They may also provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site after the procedure.
Lipoma removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Depending on the size and location of the lipoma, your doctor may use local or general anesthesia to numb the area or put you to sleep during the surgery.
During surgical excision, your doctor will make a small incision at the site of the lipoma and carefully remove it from under the skin. The incision is then closed with stitches or left open to heal on its own, depending on the size and location of the lipoma.
For liposuction, your doctor will use a small needle to numb the area before inserting a suction device to remove the fatty tissue. This technique typically results in minimal scarring and faster recovery time.
After the surgery, your doctor will provide instructions on caring for the surgical site and managing any discomfort. They may also prescribe pain medication if needed. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery and remove any stitches if necessary. Attending this appointment and reporting any concerns or complications that may arise is crucial.
In most cases, lipoma removal has a low risk of complications and a high success rate. However, if you notice any signs of infection, excessive pain, or bleeding at the surgical site, contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
Choosing the right doctor with experience in evaluating and removing lipomas is crucial for a successful outcome. They should have a track record of safely removing lipomas and handling any potential complications that may arise. At The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), our team of experienced board-certified plastic surgeons specializes in minor surgeries, including lipoma removal.
If you have a lipoma that needs to be evaluated or removed, contact us for a consultation. Our team will provide personalized care and treatment options based on your needs. Don't let lipomas interfere with your daily life – schedule a consultation today!
