Does Laser Liposuction Help in Treating Multiple Lipomas?

Question

I have multiple lipomas close to 30 on my arms, forearms, torso, proximal thighs for close to 6 years and has finally decided to get them removed. I want the least possible scarring and I am confused whether to go with regular excision surgery vs Laser Liposuction. Is laser liposuction effective for multiple lipomas?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You most likely have the diagnosis of familial lipomatosis (other family members will have the same problem). Lipomatosis is believed to be a dominant trait in which multiple lipomas are present. Most are discrete, encapsulated lipomas on the trunk and extremitiesAlthough this condition is benign, many patients concerned with cosmesis seek removal of individual tumors. Treatment can include simple excision, endoscopic removal, or liposuction if large. Liposuction, whether laser Liposuction or traditional will leave some of the lipoma cells behind which over time will probably recur though it may take years.Find the most qualified plastic surgeon to take care of this problem.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Granted, if you have numerous lipomas it may seem more practical to have them flattened with liposuction but keep that in mind, it would be probably a temporary flattening as they would not be completely removed and as benign tumors, they tend to regrow. Excision through small inicisions is possible with a very small chance of recurrence.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Laser Liposuction is not an effective method of treating multiple lipomas, in my opinion, and I would not recommend its use.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Traditionally lipomas are removed by making small incisions over the lipoma. Liposuctioning of the lipoma may not be sufficient.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The conventional means of lipoma removal is open excision. While effective, it does leave scars. Laser liposuction can be used to treat lipomas but you can't think of it as traditional liposuction as you can not really suction out lipomas like regular fat. The laser probe can be inserted into a lipoma and turned out to help melt or liquify the lipoma and then allow the body to absorb the broken down lipoma. That is a lipoma removal technique that is in a state of evolution and is not yet proven to be as consistently effective as excision even  though it is more scarless.

Does Laser Liposuction Help in Treating Multiple Lipomas?

Answers (6)

Answer: Liposuction of lipomas

Answer: Liposuction of lipomas

Answer: Laser Liposuction Is A Newer But As Yet Unproven Method For Lipoma Removal

Answer: Laser Liposuction Is A Newer But As Yet Unproven Method For Lipoma Removal

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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

Does Laser Liposuction Help in Treating Multiple Lipomas?

Answers (6)

Answer: Liposuction of lipomas

Answer: Liposuction of lipomas

Answer: Laser Liposuction Is A Newer But As Yet Unproven Method For Lipoma Removal

Answer: Laser Liposuction Is A Newer But As Yet Unproven Method For Lipoma Removal

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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