What is lipoma?
What is lipoma?
A lipoma is a lump that can be felt under the skin. It is a benign tumour made up of a lump of fat cells or adipocytes. Lipomas can appear anywhere in the body and is usually non-cancerous. As the name suggests, it is found within the fat layer of our body, usually below the skin and above the deeper muscle layer. They commonly appear on the chest, abdomen, back as well as upper limbs.
The cause of the growth of lipomas is not well understood, but it has been observed to be more common in adults than in children or adolescents. In addition, there are some uncommon genetic conditions in which a person can develop multiple lipomata.
Lipomas can appear as a single lump or feel like there are multiple lumps in one (multiloculated), or even in multiple different places in the body. It is usually a soft, well-defined lump that is fairly mobile under the skin.
Most of the time, a lipoma does not cause pain and can be completely asymptomatic. However, a lipoma may be present in inconvenient parts of your body e.g. near or over joints, in exposed areas which makes them susceptible to injury in daily activities, over the back of thighs or buttocks where they may get compressed when sitting, or over areas where belts or straps may traumatise it. In these instances, lipomas can be easily traumatised, be uncomfortable, or even painful. It may also affect self-confidence if it grows on an exposed part of the body e.g. forehead, neck.
What should I expect for the lipoma removal procedure?
What should I expect for the lipoma removal procedure?
The removal of a lipoma may not always be necessary. However, the lipoma may sometimes grow in an inconvenient part of your body, cause discomfort, or increase in size. You may then want to consider removal and a histological (under microscope) test of the lump.
Most lipomas can be removed as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic. Usually, a topical anaesthetic cream is first applied over the area. The local anaesthetic is injected into the surrounding area before a skin cut is made and the lump is dissected out and removed for histology. The wound is then closed, and a dressing is applied.
If the lipoma is very large, or situated in a deep or inaccessible area, imaging tests such as a ultrasound, or CT scan may be required before surgery is planned. Lipomas that are larger in size or in a sensitive area may need to be removed under general anaesthesia. It is possible to use liposuction in some cases of lipoma removal. However, a drawback of this method is that the lump may not be removed in its entirety or in its original form for the histological test.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?
Most people will be able to tolerate removal or excision of lipoma. Individuals who are on blood thinners or anti-clotting medications may need to stop the medications prior to surgery. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule.
Are there any side effects associated with the surgery?
After surgery, you may experience some mild pain and bruising over the surgical site for the first few days. This pain should subside in the following weeks as your body begins to heal. You may be given medication to assist in pain management during the initial period. The wound takes about 1-2 weeks to heal, and the scar will fade over time.
Possible side effects include bleeding and bruising of the area. Recurrence, though possible, is uncommon if the entire lump is removed.
How should I prepare for the surgery?
You do not need any preparation before the lipoma removal procedure. You should refrain from smoking or other nicotine products in the weeks leading up to the surgery. If you are taking anti-clotting medications or other supplements, please inform your surgeon before surgery.
What should I expect during the surgery?
If your surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, you will be awake during the entire duration of surgery. You will not feel pain as the entire area would have been anaesthetized before the surgery. However, you will be able to feel sensation of gross movement. You will be able to converse with your surgeon and should communicate any sensation of discomfort.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You will have a dressing to cover the surgical area after the procedure. This dressing is usually waterproof, ensuring that the wound remains dry. However, you should keep the dressing dry as much as possible to prevent accidental removal and to aid in the healing process. There will be a follow-up within the week after surgery to change the dressing and monitor how well your wound heals. During the clinic visit, your specialist will also give you the histology report once it is ready.
How long does recovery take?
Generally, it takes about 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal. The actual time taken for wound healing will depend on the location of lipoma removal surgery, as well as the size of the removed lipoma. If your surgery was performed under local anaesthesia, you may be able to return to work on the same day or next day if your work does not involve strenuous activities. We advise that you avoid sports or strenuous activities until your wound heals. Swimming or any activity that can cause your dressings to get wet or dislodged should also be avoided. If your wound is in an exposed area of the body such as the face, we advise that you also avoid excessive sun exposure.
Can I file an insurance claim for this procedure?
Yes, our clinic will assist you with your insurance claims if your surgery is performed for medical purposes. If you do not have medical insurance, we can also assist you with your application for Medisave claims.
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Dr Ong is a fully accredited Singapore plastic surgeon. She currently practices at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at Gleneagles Medical Centre, serving patients in all Parkway hospitals and Mount Alvernia Hospital. Under the competent and experienced hands of one of the best female plastic surgeons in Singapore, you can be assured of quality care and treatment.
