I have a tennis ball size lipoma on my inner thigh. I'm getting it removed soon. How long is the recovery`/

Question

I think it has to do with my vericose veins being more pronounced on that leg. Can they be worked on together. I need the veins gone as they are painful as well.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thigh lipomas present some challenges and patients should recommend that the lipomas are assessed by a pathologist to rule out other tumors. Our office specializes in lipoma removal surgery on the extremities.  Recovery is relatively short. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Lipomas have nothing to do with varicose veins.  My suggestion is you address these questions with your physician.  If you do not have these answered already, I would consider a second opinion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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

A lipoma is not related to varicose veins but the first thing is to make sure that it's a lipoma and not somehow an extension of the veins.  You should therefore have consultations with, first, a vascular specialist to outline the treatment for the veins (you'll undoubtedly need tests such as a Doppler ultrasound of the veins to see the degree of valvular incompetence) and, secondarily, a plastic surgeon to discuss treatment of the lipoma.While lipoma removal itself is not necessarily a "large" procedure it is nevertheless a surgical procedure and has to be treated as such.  That means that if it is very large (tennis ball size would be large) then you may need a drain to adequate evacuate the space once it's removed or, at least, have that area monitored carefully post-op to make sure that fluid does not accumulate.  Activity should be restricted for about three weeks post-op or until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, and I advise my patients to avoid taking anti-platelet medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) for at least 3 weeks before and after surgery (that duration is not universally agreed-upon).I would probably not want to remove the lipoma at the same time that you're having the veins done but that's a decision you and your doctors can make after having the conditions evaluated.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

I have a tennis ball size lipoma on my inner thigh. I'm getting it removed soon. How long is the recovery`/

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I have a tennis ball size lipoma on my inner thigh. I'm getting it removed soon. How long is the recovery`/

Answers (3)

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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.