Who would be my best option for removal of suspected lipoma in buccal area measuring 1.4 CM? (Photo)

Question

MRI IMPRESSION: Asymmetric increase in size of the right buccal fat pad with a suspected lipoma along the anterior margin of the right masseter muscle.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question! First off, I think it's important to differentiate a lipoma (benign fatty growth) from anything more concerning. This can often be done clinically based on how long the spot has been present and if there are any other concerning symptoms like pain, rapid growth, drainage, etc. and by imaging findings. Ultimately, removal and sending the growth to Pathology will be the most definitive way to diagnose and treat the lipoma. I think you would be a potential candidate to have this removed from inside the mouth, preventing any incisions/scars on the face. One caveat, is whether removal of this could cause some potential asymmetry as this growth can sometimes replace the natural fat pad that lives in the area, and thus removal could lead to some deficiency. 
I would recommend a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is comfortable with buccal fat removal as this would be a similar type of approach. 
Hope this helps! Kyle Kimura, MD

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

Who would be my best option for removal of suspected lipoma in buccal area measuring 1.4 CM? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Who would be my best option for removal of suspected lipoma in buccal area measuring 1.4 CM? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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