Is there a laser procedure for lipoma removal?

Question

I was told that there is a laser procedure that can be used to remove a lipoma. Is this true?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Why would you want to remove a lipoma with a laser?
A lipoma is an abnormal growth of fatty cells located underneath the skin.  It is a very straightforward procedure to remove most lipomas through very small incisions. 
A laser is concentrated, ultra hot light that evaporates (and burns) tissues.  Using a laser to remove most lipomas would not benefit the patient.  Cutting with the laser on the skin would most likely prolong the healing, not speed up healing, as burned edges try to heal against each other.
It is best to remove lipomas completely.  Rarely, they may actually be cancerous (liposarcoma) and even benign lipomas can occasionally exhibit invasive features.  Methods that reduce the appearance of lipomas visually (i.e. lliposuction or perhaps destruction with a laser) do not remove the abnormal cells, which can then regrow in an abnormal fashion.  Revision lipoma removal is more difficult than first time removal because scar tissue now makes more difficult a normally easy dissection.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Lipomas are best served being surgically excised.  This will significantly reduce the possibility that it will return.  Depending on the size and location, they may be removed under simple local anesthesia and possibly in the office.  I would discuss the options with a plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the options and procedure.  There are other things that this soft tissue mass may be and it is wisest to have it examined prior to consideration for any surgical excision.Liposuction, although an option, is not a great modality due to the recurrence rate as well as not knowing what this mass actually is.  Steroids is not an honored treatment for lipomas.  Cost will vary upon the examination of the mass, location and complexity of the mass, and will increase if done at a surgery center and use of anesthesia.  I do not know of any laser treatment for lipomas.  Thank you for your question.  Hope that his helps!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Ablative lasers have no role in the management of bengin adipose tumors of the subcutaneous tissue. These nodules should be removed by an experienced surgeon who can identify optimal patterns of incision placement and lipoma removal to reduce scars.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no laser or noninvasive technique to remove the lipoma. Lasers typically work on the superficial layer of the skin and lipomas are located much deeper. The most effective way to remove a lipoma is through surgical excision. For your best results, it is best to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon can identify the entire extent of the mass remove it completely and close the wound in a fashion that does not have undue tension. This will produce though least conspicuous and optimal scar.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Basic surgical principles must be followed and all growths even if they have a low suspicion of malignancy as in a lipoma need to be excised and sent for pathologic examination. Otherwise, one cannot be sure if it has cancerous cells (rare, liposarcoma) or if it benign (lipoma).

Is there a laser procedure for lipoma removal?

Answers (8)

Answer: No laser for lipoma removal

Answer: No laser for lipoma removal

Answer: Lipomas need to be examined by a pathologist after excision

Answer: Lipomas need to be examined by a pathologist after excision

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Is there a laser procedure for lipoma removal?

Answers (8)

Answer: No laser for lipoma removal

Answer: No laser for lipoma removal

Answer: Lipomas need to be examined by a pathologist after excision

Answer: Lipomas need to be examined by a pathologist after excision

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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.