Should I get my lipoma tumor checked out again? 2 years post op.

Question

Roughly 2 years ago I got checked out and they told me that I had a lipoma on top of my lower left ribs and I was causing me pain so I had it removed but they barely got half of it out and now it's bigger than what it was before and it's starting to hurt again should I go see a different doctor maybe I'm not sure what to do at this point.

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  I would definitely reach out to an ASPS plastic surgeon to discuss your lipoma and to consider reexcision.  Lipomas should be completely removed so as to resolve your symptoms.  Hope this helps.

Should I get my lipoma tumor checked out again? 2 years post op.

Answers (2)

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.

Should I get my lipoma tumor checked out again? 2 years post op.

Answers (2)

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.