Can a golfball size or slightly larger lipoma be removed with a less than 11/2 inch incision?

Question

I am trying to find out if there is a doctor in the Pittsburgh PA or surrounding areas that has experience successfully removing these using a lipo / gradual milking technique to remove it through a small incision. I do not know for certain if my lipoma it attached to muscle but it is suspected that it could be. I am really hoping for a scar that small as possible.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur under the skin and less commonly within the muscle. They are associated with mild discomfort and a lump underneath the skin. It is always best to talk to an expert plastic surgeon to determine whether the lipoma is possibly a cyst or a tumor or hernia. We would have to remove the lipoma to be sure that it is not something else and we usually do this by sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. If a lipoma is painful, then an exam is needed to make sure it is not compressing on a nerve or whether the diagnosis is different. Aftercare for a lipoma includes gentle compression and Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on the wound.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Depending on the area of the body a golf ball size lipoma should easily be removed with a 1.5 inch incision.  Areas that have greater skin laxity allow for easier removal through a small incision.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  Best wishes.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally, yes - although it depends on the location, makeup of the lipoma, etc., and other factors.  My general technique, though, is to do just what you say - use a small incision and try to get it out through that.  The older technique was to make an incision just slightly less than the diameter of the mass and to remove it en bloc but as it is (generally) a benign growth there is really no reason why that has to be done.  I would suggest being seen by a few different board-certified plastic surgeons near you and then you'll be able to make a more informed decision.  I hope that this helps and good luck.  Dr. Alan Engler, Member of #RealSelf500

Can a golfball size or slightly larger lipoma be removed with a less than 11/2 inch incision?

Answers (3)

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