Could this be a lipoma? And is it worth having removed? Will my insurance cover this? (photos)

Question

I dreaded getting this hump that seems to run in my mother family at the base of the neck that makes the neck look as if it is non existent from the back. I developed it in my early 20’s (super self conscious as I’m only 24)and it is causing strain and pain in my neck and shoulders and discomfort when wearing a supportive bra (I’m too heavy as well). I have BCBSTX for insurance. Is this a lipoma? Should I have it removed? Will insurance cover this or what would it cost out of pocket? Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is a buffalo hump and needs liposuction for removal (based on the photos). this isnt covered by insurance but is quite easy to improve. see an expert.
You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my opinion, it is unlikely that the mass you see at the base of your neck is a lipoma.  It most likely a collection of excess fat, but not a lipoma.  I have treated these using ultrasonic liposuction and it is possible that the issue is due to hereditary causes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Either this is a lipoma or dystrophic fat, both of which can be treated to help improve the area's contour.  The former is typically treated with excision of the discrete adipose collection while the latter can be treated with liposuction.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear arielvanscoy,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your photos, there is a chance that you have lipoma. 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

Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini, MD · Answer

While it is possible to be a lipoma, it's not likely.  This is more likely to be a bit of excess fat which can be reduced with liposuction.

Could this be a lipoma? And is it worth having removed? Will my insurance cover this? (photos)

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Could this be a lipoma? And is it worth having removed? Will my insurance cover this? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lipoma

Answer: Lipoma

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Answer: Lipoma?

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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