I am having lipoma surgery. How much time will I need to take off work?

Question

I am having a lipoma removed from my lower back by a general surgeon. he states it is wrapped around a nerve. he would nor remove it in the office due to not sure how bad it looks until he gets in there. I just want to know how much pain I will be in after the procedure. I am also a nurse and don't like pain. how long will I be out of work please help

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In most cases, a lipoma does not require much time away from work, a few days at most, but heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling should be avoided for at least the first two weeks.  Depending on the size, location, and complexity of the case, best to ask your surgeon about his anticipated recovery time.  Hope this helps.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The general surgeon should give you better guidance as to how much time you need off ... because you didn't specify where you mean by "back". A neurosurgeon should be available for lesions near the cord of nerve roots ...Dr Karamanoukian

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

It's hard to say for sure since a lot depends on how large it is, and how deep it is.  You'll need to speak to your own surgeon for a full and complete discussion of this.And it also depends what kind of work you do.  Physical work takes longer to return to than a desk job (depending, of course, on what the procedure is)>I usually tell my patients that there is no exercise for at least 3 weeks following surgery, at which point you can start slowly and advance as tolerated.  Assuming that the surgery is uncomplicated and that you heal well.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf500

I am having lipoma surgery. How much time will I need to take off work?

Answers (4)

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