I have lumps on my lower legs that get more prominent as I flex my leg muscles. What are they and can they be removed? (photos)

Question

Salih Onur Basat, MD, EBOPRAS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Based on your photos, you have multiple lipoma in your legs. They can be removed under local anesthesia. Lipomas can be observed in all part of your body. They will cause only cosmetic problem for you.

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Lumps and bumps often appear randomly throughout our bodies due to a host of factors. What you're dealing with, based on the photos you provided, may be either lipomas, which are deposits of fat, or cysts, which are a build-up of fluid. Only a physical examination and imaging can determine for sure, but such lumps can be excised/drained by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination either virtually or in person would be necessary to diagnose you with full confidence but the lumps are likely the most common benign soft tissue tumor: Lipomas. Lipomas are spherical clumps of fat mostly found just under the skin. Sometimes they can sit right next to or involve the fascia of the underlying muscle. Regarding the legs, there isn't much space between the skin and the underlying muscle. When you flex the leg muscles, the lipomas stick out more because the muscle bulges and therefore pushes the fat closer to the skin. Good news is that lipomas are easily removed under local anesthesia with small incisions.

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

You may have multiple lipomas or cysts. Only a physical exam can diagnose what these lumps are.  They can be removed safely with a local anesthesia.  If they are felt to be suspicious, they can be sent to a lab for pathological diagnosis.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rungirl79,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I have lumps on my lower legs that get more prominent as I flex my leg muscles. What are they and can they be removed? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Multiple Lumps on Legs

Answer: Multiple Lumps on Legs

Answer: Lumps

Answer: Lumps

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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I have lumps on my lower legs that get more prominent as I flex my leg muscles. What are they and can they be removed? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Multiple Lumps on Legs

Answer: Multiple Lumps on Legs

Answer: Lumps

Answer: Lumps

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.