Have you noticed a readily movable, doughy lump beneath your skin? If so, you may have a lipoma growing. Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that usually form between the muscle and skin. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about this benign growth and what to expect during and after treatment.
What Is a Lipoma? What Are the Different Types?
All lipomas are made up of fat and are rarely malignant. While they may be small and painless, they also may be large and painful. A biopsy of the lipoma is necessary to determine which type it is. Here's a quick overview of the type of lipoma you may have:
- Atypical lipoma
- Spindle cell lipoma
- Conventional lipoma
- Fibrolipoma
- Angiolipoma
- Myelolipoma
- Hibernoma
- Pleomorphic lipoma
What Treatment Is Recommended for Lipomas?
Most of the time, a simple lipoma removal procedure is recommended to treat lipomas. While some doctors may recommend liposuction, lipoma removal surgery is the only treatment method that guarantees consistently complete success.
What Happens During Lipoma Removal Surgery?
During lipoma removal surgery, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. During your initial consultation,
Dr. Daniel Gay will discuss your health and personal preferences to determine whether general, regional, or local anesthesia should be administered. Once your skin is numb, a small incision will be made through which the tumor is removed.
Once the benign tumor has been removed, the incision will be stitched closed. You will need to come in for a follow-up appointment a couple of weeks after your procedure to remove the stitches once your skin has healed.
What is the Recovery Like After Lipoma Removal Surgery?
Lipoma removal surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you are free to go home shortly after your incision is stitched closed. During your initial consultation, Dr. Daniel Gay will advise you on all the restrictions you should expect after your procedure. He will also advise you on what to do to shorten your recovery period. Here's a brief overview of post-operative instructions:
- Abstain from alcohol consumption for 24 hours
- Don't consume tobacco products
- Avoid vigorous activity for one month
- Eat nutritious meals and snacks that are high in soluble fiber
- Drink plenty of water
- Shower instead of taking a bath until the incision site has scabbed over
- Go for gentle walks when you're feeling up to moving around
Note, lipomas rarely recur after they have been excised. That said, if another lipoma grows after the first is removed, lipoma removal surgery is still the most effective treatment option.
Why Choose Dr. Daniel Gay for this Procedure? You should choose Dr. Daniel Gay for your lipoma removal surgery because he lives by the Golden Rule every day. He will take the time to get to know you and provide you with the highest level of sincere individualized attention to ensure you receive the best possible care. He is dedicated to the health of the citizens of Boise and Meridian, and will take excellent care of you. Visit his
General Surgery Specialties page to learn about other procedures he performs.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
You don't have to live with painful, swollen lumps. A simple lipoma removal procedure is all that is required to restore your appearance and quality of life. If your lipoma is painful, or you're concerned by how large it has become, please
contact us today at the office of Dr. Daniel Gay in Boise, ID, to schedule your initial consultation