Will a large lipoma get smaller with weight loss?

Question

I have a 13 1/2 cm Lipoma on my left shoulder blade. I saw 2 dermatologists, it's too large and I don't feel safe removing it.  I have seen 3 doctors, next referral to a general surgeon. I have gained some weight, it that what is causing these? In the past few months, I've noticed 2 more growing, one on each side of my neck....if I lost some weight (20) lbs, will they get smaller?

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

Unfortunately lipomas will just keep growing, so it's best to have it removed.  I'm sure the general surgeon you see will make the same recommendation.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas will not get smaller on their own. You need to have them surgically removed. This should be performed by a general or plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Libby Copeland-Halperin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would need to examine you to better answer your question. In general, lipomas are benign fatty tumors (not cancer). However, they can be bothersome, disfiguring, and do tend to get bigger with time. For these reasons, I recommend patients have them removed once they become bothersome. Lipomas do not generally change with weight loss/weight gain, but they can become more or less noticeable with weight changes. I perform lipoma removal surgery using a combination of direct excision and liposuction, which allows me to use a very small incision (and, therefore, results in a very small scar). I perform this procedure in our fully accredited operating room under local anesthesia. I recommend you speak with a fully-trained plastic surgeon to discuss treatment options.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

Lipomas do not typically vary in size based on weight loss or weight gain and will not spontaneously disappear.  Depending on size and location, lipomas can be either surgically removed or addressed with liposuction.  I have had good success treating even larger lipomas with liposuction which means a smaller scar and often only local anesthesia in the office.  A board certified plastic surgeon should be able to discuss options with you.

Will a large lipoma get smaller with weight loss?

Answers (4)

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