Question

Is lipoma removal like liposuction?

My dad is going to have surgery to remove two lipomas from his flanks/lower back area.  I think a lipoma is some kind of fat deposit, so I'm wondering is lipoma removal anything like liposuction?  Is it a cosmetic procedure like liposuction, i.e. not covered by insurance?

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Asked by: Carmen from Grosse Point, MI

Answers (2)

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1
June 23, 2008
D.J. Verret, MD
D.J. Verret, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by D.J. Verret, MD

Great questions. Unfortunately a lipoma is different from regular fat. Liposuction will tend to remove most of the lesion but it will likely come back. The best treatment is to make a small incision over the lipoma and remove the lesion. At times, lipoma removal is not considered cosmetic. While there is never a guarantee of insurance coverage, it is prudent to check with your insurance company before removal as there are circumstances that removal is covered by insurance.

Web reference: http://innovationsfps.com
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2
June 20, 2008
Sam Speron, MD
Sam Speron, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Sam Speron, MD

No. An incision is made to remove the lipoma in its entirety including the capsule.

Liposuction is an option, but there is no guarantee of removal of the entire lipoma, and this is not the preferred method of treatment.

In the future, the injections that cause the fat to dissolve might be an option. This is currently being investigated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in a study in the US.

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