Can I go to urgent care for golfball sized lipoma removal on front of shoulder? (Photo)

Question

I am a 25 year old female, I've had this lipona bump for about 10 years now but has grown significantly in the last 4. Its starting to get in the way of daily activity (lifting arm over hear, shaving left armpit, sharp neck pain) I have health insurance but no primary care doctor and was wondering if I can go to urgent care to get this removed.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  I would strongly advise you to save your money and not go to an urgent care for removal of this lipoma. They neither have the resources nor surgical experience to remove this.  I would recommend reaching out to local board certified plastic surgeons for an evaluation.  They can confirm the diagnosis and in most instances remove it in their office.  I am attaching a link below that should offer you a list of available providers in your area.

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You want complete removal through the smallest incision possible without creating damage to surrounding structures.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

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

I would advise that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess this and have it removed through, most likely, a very small incision.  That will lead to a faster recovery and less scarring ultimately.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan Engler

Can I go to urgent care for golfball sized lipoma removal on front of shoulder? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: #Lipoma Removal - urgent care

Answer: #Lipoma Removal - urgent care

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Can I go to urgent care for golfball sized lipoma removal on front of shoulder? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: #Lipoma Removal - urgent care

Answer: #Lipoma Removal - urgent care

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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