What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth composed of fat cells enclosed in a thin, fibrous capsule. These soft, rubbery lumps form just beneath the skin and usually grow slowly over time. While most lipomas are painless, they can cause discomfort or become more noticeable depending on their size or location. Lipomas are among the most common soft-tissue tumors and can appear anywhere on the body, but they most frequently develop on the shoulders, arms, neck, back, or thighs.
Common Causes of Lipomas
Although the exact cause of lipoma formation is still unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
- Genetics
Lipomas tend to run in families, and inherited conditions like familial multiple lipomatosis can result in the appearance of several lipomas throughout the body. - Age
Lipomas are most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, though they can occur at any age. - Injury or trauma
Some lipomas may develop at the site of a previous injury, although this connection isn’t fully understood. - Underlying medical conditions
Rare conditions such as adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease) or Gardner’s syndrome may increase the likelihood of lipoma development.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Lipoma
Lipomas are typically easy to identify based on their appearance and feel. If you notice any of the following signs, you may be dealing with a lipoma:
- Soft, doughy texture
Lipomas feel soft and can often be gently pressed or moved beneath the skin. - Round or oval shape
Most lipomas are well-defined and range in size from 1 to 3 cm, although some may grow larger. - Painless growth
In most cases, lipomas are not painful unless they press on nerves or are located near a joint or sensitive area. - Slow-growing mass
Lipomas tend to develop slowly over months or years and typically remain stable in size.
If you’re unsure whether a lump is a lipoma or another type of growth, our dermatologists will perform a clinical exam and may use imaging or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Lipoma Removal at Metropolis Dermatology
At our Pasadena location, we specialize in the surgical removal of lipomas using a simple, in-office procedure. Most lipomas are located in the subcutaneous tissue and can be excised through a small incision under local anesthesia. This method is fast, effective, and requires minimal downtime.
What to Expect During the Procedure:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area completely.
- A small incision is made directly over the lipoma.
- The lipoma is carefully dissected and removed in its entirety, including the fibrous capsule.
- The incision is closed with stitches, and a small dressing is applied.
The entire process usually takes under an hour, and patients are free to return home the same day.
Benefits of Lipoma Removal
- Minimally invasive
The procedure is quick and performed under local anesthesia—no general anesthesia required. - Permanent results
Once a lipoma is completely removed, it is unlikely to grow back. - Improved comfort
Removal can alleviate pressure, tenderness, or limited mobility caused by larger lipomas. - Cosmetic improvement
Lipomas on visible areas like the arms, neck, or back can be removed to restore smoother skin contours. - Little to no scarring
Small incisions are used and are placed as discreetly as possible to minimize visible scarring.
FAQs
Is lipoma removal painful?
No. The procedure is done using local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during removal. Some mild soreness or bruising may occur afterward but typically resolves within a few days.
How long is the recovery time after lipoma removal?
Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days. Full healing of the incision usually occurs in about 2 weeks, though strenuous activity should be avoided for a few days post-procedure.
Will my lipoma grow back after removal?
Lipomas rarely grow back once completely removed. However, new lipomas can develop in different areas, especially if you have a genetic predisposition.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes. Lipoma removal is a routine, low-risk procedure when performed by a qualified dermatologist or skin surgeon.
Can multiple lipomas be removed at once?
In most cases, we remove one lipoma per session to ensure optimal healing and cosmetic results. If you have multiple lipomas, we will develop a treatment plan to address them over time. In rare cases where lipomas are deeper or involve surrounding structures, we may refer you to a surgical specialist.
When Should You Consider Lipoma Removal?
Although lipomas are benign and often don’t require treatment, removal may be recommended if:
- The lipoma is growing in size or changing shape
- It causes discomfort or pain
- It affects mobility or function, especially near joints
- You’re concerned about cosmetic appearance
There’s uncertainty in diagnosis and your provider recommends biopsy or removal for confirmation
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Book Your Lipoma Removal Consultation in Pasadena
If you’re ready to take the next step toward smoother, more comfortable skin, lipoma removal at Metropolis Dermatology in Pasadena may be the right option for you. Our board-certified dermatologists use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to safely remove lipomas and restore natural skin contours—often with little to no downtime.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your treatment options and get personalized care from one of Pasadena’s leading skin specialists.