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What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Lipoma Removal?

I have a nearly golf ball-sized lipoma on my back, along my shoulder blade. What kind of doctor should I see for lipoma removal?

Asked 35 months ago by ccrozer in fl
Sort 14 expert answers by:
+3

Dermatologist are the experts for skin and fat under the skin

Dermatologic surgeons do a lot of skin surgery including removal of lipomas. Plastic surgeons may be an alternative.
Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+3

See a plastic surgeon for lipoma removal

Lipoma is a slow-growing, benign soft-tissue, fatty tumor. It is usually situated between skin and the underlying muscle layer. Lipomas can occur at any age; sometimes they run in the families. People want removal when the see the change in the growth or it becomes painful. In that case, you should seek the help of the experieced plastic surgeon. Physicians should easily diagnose the lipoma just by simply looking at it and feeling the firmness of the lump under the skin. In most cases it... more
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

A surgery to remove a lipoma (a soft tissue adipose bening tumor) can be performed by different specialists (general surgeon, ENT, maxillofacial surgeon, dermatologist). Just for the fact that the residual scar can be aesthetically noticeable, I believe that a Board Certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, would be the best choice to perform these surgical procedures.
Enrique Etxeberria, MD
Spain Plastic Surgeon
+1

Plastic surgeon best for lipoma removal

Lipoma removal can be performed by various specialties but I recommend that you seek the services of a board certified plastic surgeon who can insure not only that the lipoma is fully excised but that the resultant scar is as well placed and likely to heal as well as possible. I disagree that excision, with the appropriate closure, is a 10 minute procedure. I do not believe in rushing through surgery because the patient will have to live with the resultant scar for a lifetime... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipoma Surgeon Specialists

A well-trained and experienced dermatologic surgeon, plastic surgeon, general surgeon should be able to perform the sugery without any problem. They all have training in their residencies or fellowships in this type of surgery. One thing I would recommend is when you meet with the doctor ask how large the incision line and resultant scar will be. Almost all lipomas can be removed with an incision that is much smaller than the actual lipoma itself so you want to make sure that the doctor will... more
Andrew Kaufman, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Lipoma surgeons

Plastic surgeons general surgeons Dermatologic surgeons all can do lipoma removals, some have more experience than others in surgical principles such as lines of langerhans, knowledge of surgical instruments and types of sutures.
Timothy Mountcastle, MD
Ashburn General Surgeon
+1

Lipomas can be removed by dermatologic or plastic surgeons.

Lipomas can be easily removed through a smaller incision than you expect, by a skilled dermatologic surgeon, or a skilled plastic surgeon. Dermatologists (dermatologic surgeons) are experts in diseases and surgery of the skin (fat is a layer in the skin), and plastic surgeons do a lot of skin surgery as well. Choose the most careful, meticulous, experienced surgeon you can find. This can be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient (office) setting. There is no need for a hospital or... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH
Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

See a plastic surgeon for your lipoma

When considering a surgeon for the removal of a lipoma, a plastic surgeon has the most experience in the face and other sensitive areas of your body. However, a plastic surgeon is very comfortable working throughout the body and has a great deal of experience working with lipomas and other masses in the soft tissue. A plastic surgeon understands the lines of tension in your skin and also has an appreciation to how large a defect is necessary and what will be required to close the defect... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dermatologic surgeon or plastic surgeon for lipoma removal

Dermatologists are the experts on skin and subcutaneous diseases and surgery, and perform more cutaneous surgery than all other specialties. You would be well served to see one if you're interested in having a lipoma surgically removed. To find a reputable dermatologic surgeon in your community, I'd visit the ASDS website and search by zip code. Plastic surgeons are also usually well versed in the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous diseases, and you'd be well served by a reputable... more
Chad L. Prather, MD
Baton Rouge Dermatologist
+1

Lipoma removal

Lipoma removal can be performed by a general surgeon, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist. During consultation, go with your hunch and ask pertinent and pointed questions about experience, method of treatment, and proposed outcome.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Do you care how it looks after Lipoma removal?

Hello, The primary issue in choosing your doctor for this is your level of concern for what it might look like afterward. If you want it to look as good as it can after surgery, then seek a qualified plastic surgeon. If you don't care about a scar or how it looks and it is small enough, even your family doctor may be able to take care of it for you.
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeon, General Surgeon

This would depend on size and location. If the lipoma(s) are small , up to 4 cm., and are located on the arms or legs, a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or general surgeon can all perform this procedure quire readily. After a small excision the lipoma will pop right out, the procedure takes less than ten minutes. If the lipoma is on the trunk, or shoulders,, or is larger, then I would definitely see either a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon. If it is on the neck, I would... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Plastic surgeon or general surgeon

Depending on whether you want to have this done under insurance coverage or not, you can go to either a plastic surgeon (many do not take insurance anymore) or a general surgeon (all still take insurance). The result would probably look a bit better with the plastic surgeon but the general surgeon should also be able to give you a good result.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Plastic surgeon or general surgeon can remove lipoma

A plastic surgeon or a general surgeon could equaly take care of your lipoma. A lot of patients end by asking a plastic surgeon to remove it to insure a better cosmetic result.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
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