Lipoma: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Removal Treatments | Kosmoderma

Introduction

Lipomas are non-cancerous lumps that develop under the skin due to an overgrowth of fat cells. While they are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort, aesthetic concerns, or pressure on nearby tissues depending on their size and location. Understanding lipoma causes, symptoms, types, and available treatment options can help patients seek the proper medical care at the right time.

Lipomas are Lumps of Fatty Tissue

Having bouts of anxiety is normal when you notice unusual bumps in your body. That’s only until your doctor ascertains that these are lipomas.

Now, lipomas are benign tumors, which means they are not life-threatening. Also, they mostly occur in people within the age group of 40 and 60 years. However, this condition is not very common; it develops in 1 in every 1000 people. Some people even have it when they are born.

Well, lipomas could get discomforting in some cases and surgical procedures are recommended to get rid of them. If you are seeking lipoma removal treatment in Bangalore, you can approach Kosmoderma’s team of expert surgeons for the best recommendations.

Let’s learn more about lipomas, including their causes, the different types, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Lipomas?

The overgrowth of fat cells gives rise to lumps under the skin, which are referred to as lipomas. People have one lipoma or more lipomas. If you have more than one lipoma, the condition is called Familial Multiple Lipomatosis (FML) or Multiple Lipoma.

Now, these slow-growing lumps of fatty tissue are benign, although they can cause pain. Well, it can be discomforting when you press down upon them and they move slightly. Also, they develop in different parts of the body, which include the arms, neck, shoulders, torso, and back.

There are various types of lipomas. These include myelolipomas, angiolipomas, spindle cell lipomas, hibernomas, fibrolipomas, and pleomorphic – to list a few.

Thankfully, there are various ways of removing these lipomas and we will study all about them below.

Types of Lipoma

There are different types of lipoma based on the tissues involved:

• Conventional (fat cell growth)
• Fibrolipoma (fibrous tissue + fat)
• Angiolipoma (fatty tissue with blood vessels)
• Myelolipoma (fat + bone marrow elements)
• Spindle Cell Lipoma (spindle-shaped cells + fat)

What are the Common Causes of Lipomas?

The exact cause of lipomas is still unknown, but several risk factors are linked to their development. Paying attention to lipoma symptoms can help you spot them early and seek timely medical advice

• Genetics – A family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of developing them.
• Obesity – Excess body fat may contribute to the growth of fatty lumps.
• Ageing – Lipomas are more commonly found in adults aged 40–60.
• Injuries – Trauma to fatty tissues may sometimes trigger lipoma formation.
• Underlying medical conditions – Certain rare disorders like Dercum’s disease, adiposis dolorosa, and Gardner’s syndrome can lead to multiple lipomas.

What are the Symptoms of Lipoma?

Lipomas are not painful, although they can cause discomfort if they develop near a joint or are pressed. Lipoma patients experience the following symptoms:

• They tend to move easily with gentle pressure
• They occur around the shoulders, arms, abdomen, thighs, neck, and back
• They measure up to 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter
• Lipomas can cause pain if they contain many blood vessels or press on nerves
• They lie underneath the skin’s surface and move when touched
• They are symmetrical in shape and can be round-shaped or oval-shaped

Diagnosis and Tests for Lipoma

To confirm a lipoma, doctors may suggest:

• Physical examination to assess size and texture.
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI for deeper lumps.
• Biopsy if malignancy is suspected, though lipomas are usually benign

Lipoma Treatment Options

Lipoma treatment options include both surgical and non-surgical methods, depending on the size, location, and medical recommendation.

• Surgical Removal – The most common treatment, where the lump is cut out completely to prevent recurrence.
• Liposuction – Fatty tissue is suctioned out using a thin tube, suitable for softer lipomas.
• Steroid Injections – May shrink lipomas but rarely remove them completely.

Surgical Treatments for Lipoma Removal

You can opt for the following surgeries to remove your lipomas:

• Lipoma Removal Surgery: It involves making incisions to remove the lipomas surgically. You may have to attend a few sessions, depending on the safety limit of local anesthesia for one session. This surgical procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes, which depends on the size and quantity of the lipoma.
• Liposuction: Liposuction is an alternative to lipoma removal surgery. A long, thin needle is used to remove the fatty tissue.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Lipoma Removal

Herein is a list of the various non-invasive treatments to remove lipomas:

• Lipodissolve (Injection Lipolysis): Lipodissolve treatment entails injecting a chemical solution into the lipoma. This helps to break down the fat cells and shrink the lipomas.
• Laser Lipolysis: This minimally invasive procedure deploys laser energy, which causes the fat cells to become heated. As a result, the fatty tissue liquefies and the body absorbs the fat over time.
• Radiofrequency Therapy: As part of this therapy, radio waves are used to generate heat. This heating process destroys the fatty tissue and breaks down the fat cells. The body then eliminates the residual fat from the body gradually.

Benefits of Lipoma Removal

The varied benefits of lipoma removal are:

• Improves mobility
• Increases range of motion
• Provides relief from pain and discomforting sensations
• Reduces risk of lump formation at the same site
• Prevents the lipoma from becoming bigger
• Minimizes the risk of nerve compression and infections

Why Approach Kosmoderma for Lipoma Removal?

Among the many reasons to choose Kosmoderma for lipoma removal are:

• Our team of qualified and experienced surgeons has several years of clinical expertise in conducting various treatments and surgeries.
• We use best-quality, US FDA-approved, and medical-grade products, equipment, and techniques.
• We provide a safe and sterilized environment for your comfort and convenience.
• We have state-of-the-art infrastructure and deploy advanced tools to deliver optimal results.

Take the first step to improve the quality of your life!

Get rid of lipomas seamlessly with Kosmoderma’s lipoma removal treatments. Contact our qualified surgeons to book your free consultation and start the recovery process today!

FAQs

1) Who is a suitable candidate for lipoma removal treatments?

At Kosmoderma, we recommend lipoma removal procedures if you have multiple lipomas that cause pain and discomfort. You have to be 18 years of age or above, and physically fit, for such treatments.

2) How is Lipoma surgery beneficial?

By undergoing lipoma surgery, you get relief from pain and discomfort. In addition to that, you can enhance your body aesthetics and improve your body movements.

3) What are the aftercare measures of lipoma removal procedures?

Depending on the treatment administered, your provider at Kosmoderma will provide personalized advice. You are required to keep the treatment area dry and clean. You must avoid intense activity, too. Besides that, you must take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

4) Is lipoma treatment painful?

Most procedures are done under local anaesthesia, so pain is minimal.

5) Can lipomas recur after removal?

Rarely, but recurrence is possible in some cases.

6) Are lipomas cancerous?

No, they are benign and non-cancerous.

7) How long does lipoma removal take?

A minor surgical procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes.