A lipoma that was removed grew back in the same spot. Why did it grow back? What can I do? How can I stop it from growing back?

Question

The lipoma was removed 10 yrs ago and a few later it began to grow back. It is the same size as before. It is about the size of golf ball or larger and it is near or on my left shoulder blade. It is noticeable.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your lipoma recurrence.  Lipomas that are removed in their entirety tend not to return, but new ones can develop over time.  If some of the original lipoma was left, these remaining cells can also begin to grow into a new lipoma.  In either case, I would favor repeat surgical removal of the lipoma for the best chance at permanent removal.

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

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

In this area, care must be taken to not injure the spinal accessory nerve. Dr Karamanoukian

A lipoma that was removed grew back in the same spot. Why did it grow back? What can I do? How can I stop it from growing back?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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A lipoma that was removed grew back in the same spot. Why did it grow back? What can I do? How can I stop it from growing back?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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