Should I get my angiolipoma removed by a dermatologist or seek second opinion elsewhere? (Photo)

Question

I’m a 20 year old female. I’ve had a dime sized lipoma on my left leg below my inguinal area on my upper thigh since I was 13. Never caused me any problems until recently when I woke up with it tender and swollen. Over 3 days it became painful, red, and the size of a 50 cent piece. Dermatologist diagnosed it as an angiolipoma and injected it with steroids to help with the pain and inflammation. I would like to have it removed, should I have the dermatologist remove it or go to another surgeon?

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. I would recommend seeing a surgical specialist in consultation for removal of your soft tissue mass.  They have trained in surgical techniques to ensure complete excision of the mass while offering the best long-term appearance.  Hope this helps.

Should I get my angiolipoma removed by a dermatologist or seek second opinion elsewhere? (Photo)

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Should I get my angiolipoma removed by a dermatologist or seek second opinion elsewhere? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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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.