Lipoma Removal New York City, NY

Lipomas are unsightly masses of fatty tissue that can develop in various locations on the body, causing pain and discomfort and affecting your appearance. Lipomas are generally not dangerous, as they are most often benign (non-cancerous) growths, but occasionally they may contain cancerous cells (a liposarcoma). Lipomas are some of the most common growths on the human body. It’s not uncommon to have multiple lipomas, with some individuals developing hundreds of these growths. 

As a lipoma grows or multiple lipomas develop, they can affect your range of motion, interfere with daily routines, and prevent you from enjoying physical activities.

Although they can develop anywhere on the body, lipomas most commonly appear on the:

• Shoulders
• Chest
• Neck
• Thighs
• Underarm
• Face

The cause of lipoma growth is not currently fully understood, but studies have shown that the development of lipomas may be associated with:

• Genetics
• Blunt force impact to the body
• Medical conditions such as Gardner’s syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Madelung’s disease, and adiposis dolorosa

Although benign lipomas are not life-threatening, they can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if they grow into deeper muscle tissue and press on a nerve.

Once a lipoma develops, it will not go away on its own and will often increase in size over time. Therefore, the only way to rid the body of this mass is through surgery. Lipomas are removed in an outpatient procedure typically under local anesthesia. However, depending on the size and location of the lipoma, twilight sedation may be used for your comfort.

There are two methods of lipoma removal, each appropriate to different sizes and conditions of lipoma: 

• Excision: The most common method of lipoma removal is to make a small incision and surgically remove the fatty tissue beneath the skin. After the lipoma is completely removed, the incision is closed with meticulously placed sutures. This technique typically yields the most successful outcome for complete removal.
• Liposuction: If you have large lipomas, Dr. Antell can perform localized liposuction through a small incision to remove excess fatty tissue. Lipoma removal by liposuction is a minimally invasive technique with minimal scarring. However, liposuction does not guarantee complete removal, and the mass may regrow. Depending on the mass’s size, texture, and location, liposuction may not be advisable.

At your consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate your condition and determine the right procedure for you, provide all necessary details, and answer any questions.

Anyone in good overall health is likely a candidate for lipoma removal. Lipoma removal is ideal for those who:

• Suffer pain or discomfort at the site of the growth
• Experience restricted motion or are physically hindered
• Feel embarrassed by the appearance
• Want to be free of the condition

Lipoma removal can help improve both how you look and feel if you are bothered by fatty lumps. Some benefits include:

• Improved body shape and appearance: Removing visible lipomas can make your skin look smoother and more even by reducing lumps under the skin.
• Relief from pain and discomfort: Large lipomas or those near nerves can cause pressure or tenderness. Removing them can help ease these symptoms.
• Restored movement and comfort: If lipomas make it hard to move or perform daily tasks, removing them can help you return to your normal routine.
• Increased confidence: Many people feel self-conscious about visible lumps. Removing lipomas can help you feel better about your appearance.
• Minimized scarring: Dr. Antell uses careful surgical techniques and places incisions thoughtfully to minimize scarring.

In most cases, lipoma removal can be performed on the same day as your consultation and may require only local anesthesia. However, if the lipomas are larger or are in a more challenging location, your surgery will be scheduled in the near future.

Lipoma removal surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Dr. Antell will discuss whether sedation is indicated for your procedure during your consultation.