What type of doctor should I see for lipoma removals?

Question

Several years ago I was told that the bumps on my body are lipomas and to leave them alone. My parents did not want to spend the money to remove them. I am now in my late 20's and have over 40 on my arms, legs, and abdomen. I don't need all of them removed but there are a handful that is causing pain and numbness in my arm. I need to know what type of doctor i should see to get these removed with insurance help and as little cost to me. At this point I am desperate....

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 sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your painful lipomas.  I would advocate seeing a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation, they can offer the best treatment advice and aesthetic result.  Hope this helps.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

You should see a plastic surgeon to remove the lipomas except for the ones on the hand. A hand surgeon might be better equipped to handle those. RegardsDr. J

What type of doctor should I see for lipoma removals?

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What type of doctor should I see for lipoma removals?

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