Lipoma under the armpit. What are the risks of getting it removed?

Question

I went to the doctor's today, & he said I have a Lipoma under my armpit. He said he couldn't do the operation in the doctor's office because there are a lot of important things under the armpit. Sometimes it's really painful, not to mention ugly, I want to get it removed, but the doctor said he would recommend leaving it alone unless it gets bigger. I still want to get it removed, so I'm curious as to what the risks are to getting it removed. i don't want to end up paralyzed or something.

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 Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Of course, without a photo and a more detailed history, I can only comment in the most general of terms. But, minimal incision extraction (MIE) is a method for removing lipomas through a small, cookie cutter-like small circular opening made with an instrument called a "punch."  Once the opening is made, the lipoma can be extracted through this small opening, much like a baby can be delivered through a relatively smaller vaginal opening. Often only a few stitches are needed, depending upon the size of the lipoma. This procedure can be performed successfully in the armpit region, as well. You would do well to seek a second opinion from a board certified aesthetic physician.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct in your assessment that there are vital structures in the underarms incuding nerves to the arm, forearm and had as well as arterial and venous structures and lymphatic structures.The most likely complication would be lymphatic swelling in the extremity if there is extensive lymph node dissection to remove the lesion in question.Dr karamanoukiam

Lipoma under the armpit. What are the risks of getting it removed?

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Lipoma under the armpit. What are the risks of getting it removed?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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