Can I get the two lipomas in my scalp removed at the same time and will I have to shave that side of my head? (photo)

Question

I have been having these 2 knots in my head since I was a kid. As I got older the knots got bigger. I went to the emergency room around 2009 because the bigger one had something coming out of it. That's when I found out it was a lipoma. They said it was harmless. Now it can be seen if I put my hair in a ponytail and it's stunting my hair growth. I also would like to know will my head have to shaved as I am a woman and I am already self conscious about these things in my head already.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur underneath the
skin. Most lipomas require surgical removal once they are bothersome. It is
important to make sure that the growth is not something else before assuming it
is a lipoma. There are many other subcutaneous nodules that mimic lipomas in
shape and size. Surgical removal of lipomas is relatively straightforward and
requires meticulous attention to detail. The first stage in improving your condition would be to
schedule a consultation to discuss your options after a complete examination is
made. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It would be possible to remove two lipomas on the scalp at the same time, as long as they are not adjacent to each other.  Normally, the hair would not need to be shaved, but there may be some surgeons who prefer to do that.  I would agree that it is possible that the two lumps you have are not lipomas but something else.  An exam would be needed to try and determine what they are.  If they are cysts instead, they still could be removed.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The first question is what exactly has caused these lumps. They could be lipomas as I've seen them pretty much everywhere on the body. However, lipomas typically don't rapidly enlarge and definitely don't drain. Whether these are lipomas or EIC/ sebaceous cyst they will likely be removed without need to shave much if any hair. Seek a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist experienced in removal of these lesions first to determine what they are and then to plan removal. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

If the mass drained, it is more likely that they are epidermal inclusion cysts (sebaceous cysts) than lipomas.  Either way, they can be removed without shaving the hair.  In fact, the area of balding can be excised from your scalp during the resection.  They can be removed at the same time.  Be sure you see a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon.  I wish you well!

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

If indeed these are lipomas, they should be able to be removed without much trouble. Shaving the hair shouldn't be necessary. However, I agree they may not be lipomas because lipomas don't drain. More likely they are inclusion cysts. Inclusion cysts are also quite simple to remove.You should be examined by a surgeon who is qualified to remove growths on the scalp before making any decisions about removal.

Can I get the two lipomas in my scalp removed at the same time and will I have to shave that side of my head? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lipoma vs. Epidermal inclusion cyst

Answer: Lipoma vs. Epidermal inclusion cyst

Answer: Scalp lipomas

Answer: Scalp lipomas

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Can I get the two lipomas in my scalp removed at the same time and will I have to shave that side of my head? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lipoma vs. Epidermal inclusion cyst

Answer: Lipoma vs. Epidermal inclusion cyst

Answer: Scalp lipomas

Answer: Scalp lipomas

Browse related questions

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.