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)

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.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding lumps on your lower legs that become more prominent when you flex your leg muscles, and specifically, what are they, and can they be removed? Thank you for your history and your pictures. A physical examination is to provide the most accurate diagnosis. However, from your description, it appears that you have bilateral lower leg lipomas. Lipomas are benign fatty tumors. That means there is a genetic mistake in the fat-making gene of a cell. That cell continuously multiplies without regulation, producing fatty tissue. Benign means that these fatty tumors will not kill you. Lipomas, however, are a form of benign tumor where the fatty cells or adipose tissue continue to replicate and multiply uncontrollably. The best way to remove the lipomas you depicted in the bilateral lower extremities is with a small incision placed over each lipoma. As the incision is placed, the capsule or shell around the lipoma is completely removed. The procedure is usually highly successful. It is rare for lipomas to recur; however, it is possible. The lipomas as depicted in your pictures can be removed under local anesthesia in the office in one or two surgical settings. If you have any other medical conditions or are taking any medication, these should be closely examined by your chosen plastic surgeon. Thank you for your interesting question regarding lumps on your lower legs that become more prominent when you flex your leg muscles. Specifically, what are they, and can they be removed? Good luck.
Most plastic surgeons offer complimentary virtual or in-person consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say. 
If you have any further questions about lipoma removal, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon. Please consult an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record in lipoma removal. Ensure they have performed numerous lipoma removal procedures and have the before-and-after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced plastic surgeon in your area, consider traveling to another state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)
Sincerely,

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.

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.

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.

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

You may have some small lipomas which can be removed. However, an examination is necessary to determine what they are. I might suggest you see your primary care physician first.

Thank you for the question and photos and I would see my primary and be referred to a local plastic or general surgeon and have them removed.

Dr Corbin

There are a few different ideologies that these may represent. I suggest contacting a local surgeon probably a general surgeon or plastic surgeon to get evaluated with a biopsy and discussion of a plan for removal.

This could represent lipomas which are benign tumors, possibly dermatofibromas, or some other ideology.

If you don’t have a surgeon to go to then start with your primary care doctor.

This should be done through your medical insurance it should be a covered medical benefits.

It’s possible the final treatment may be considered cosmetic if these are lipomas.

Start by getting an understanding of what the growth are they having a biopsy or at least talking to your primary care doctor.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Only an examination can determine the diagnosis precisely, but these appear to be lipomas or fatty tumors. If this is true, they are benign but can be removed if desired, either with liposuction or by direct excision. Do not, however, expect this to eliminate them completely as you are very likely to develop more in the future.