A lipoma is a soft lump that develops beneath the skin and is made of fatty tissue. While lipomas are usually harmless and painless, they can be noticeable or bothersome depending on their size and location. These benign growths commonly appear on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or legs and may affect how a person feels about their appearance. Lipoma removal is a straightforward procedure that can safely eliminate these lumps and restore smoother skin contours.
At Jaibaji Plastic Surgery, patients receive expert care in a comfortable, boutique setting. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and has helped patients throughout San Diego improve their appearance through cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. With decades of surgical training and contributions to medical research and conferences, he brings extensive expertise to procedures such as lipoma removal.
What Is a Lipoma?
Lipomas are soft, slow-growing lumps made primarily of fat cells that develop beneath the skin. These benign tumors are typically round or oval and often feel rubbery to the touch.
Lipomas most commonly:
- Develop just beneath the skin
- Move slightly when pressed
- Grow slowly over time
- Remain painless in most cases
They may appear on areas such as the shoulders, neck, forehead, back, arms, or legs. While most lipomas measure around two inches in diameter, some can grow larger over time.
Lipomas affect approximately one in 1,000 people, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at almost any age. In some cases, a genetic predisposition may increase the likelihood of developing lipomas.
Certain rare conditions are associated with multiple lipomas, including:
- Gardner syndrome
- Dercum’s disease
- Madelung’s disease
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Diagnosing a Lipoma
In many cases, a lipoma can be identified during a simple physical examination. However, if the lump has unusual characteristics or causes concern, additional tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined to rule out cancerous growths
- Ultrasound imaging to visualize the structure of the lump
- MRI or CT scans to determine the composition of the growth or assess whether it involves nearby nerves or blood vessels
Lipomas typically consist of white fat cells, but they can occasionally include other types of tissue, such as fibrous tissue or blood vessels.
Lipoma Removal Treatment Options
Although most lipomas do not require medical treatment, many patients choose removal for cosmetic reasons or because the lump is bothersome.
Lipoma removal is generally performed as a minor outpatient procedure.
Treatment options may include:
Liposuction Removal
For larger lipomas, liposuction can be used to remove the fatty tissue through a small incision using a thin cannula. This technique often results in minimal scarring.
Surgical Excision
In some cases, the lipoma is removed through a small incision. The entire fatty mass is carefully removed, which typically prevents the lipoma from returning.
Local anesthesia is usually used, allowing patients to remain comfortable during the procedure while avoiding the need for general anesthesia.
Recovery After Lipoma Removal
Recovery from lipoma removal is typically straightforward.
After the procedure, patients may experience:
- Mild swelling or bruising near the treatment site
- Minor soreness for a few days
- Temporary activity restrictions depending on the location of the lipoma
Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities quickly. Dr. Jaibaji provides postoperative instructions to support proper healing and minimize scarring.
Once removed, lipomas rarely return in the same location. However, patients who are predisposed to lipomas may develop new growths in other areas of the body over time.
Why Choose Jaibaji Plastic Surgery for Lipoma Removal?
Removing a lipoma requires careful surgical technique to minimize scarring and preserve surrounding tissues. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji completed plastic surgery training in the United States and the United Kingdom, including programs at Oxford, Leeds, and Liverpool, and he continues to stay involved in advancements in surgical techniques. His background in reconstructive surgery allows him to approach lipoma removal with both precision and attention to cosmetic outcomes. Located in Coronado and serving patients throughout San Diego, Jaibaji Plastic Surgery offers a private and supportive environment where patients receive individualized treatment and attentive care.
Lipoma Removal in San Diego and Coronado
Lipoma removal can safely eliminate unwanted lumps beneath the skin and restore smoother body contours. At Jaibaji Plastic Surgery in Coronado and San Diego, Dr. Moneer Jaibaji provides personalized treatment options for lipoma removal. Call 619-435-1736 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
