Can I Combine Lipoma Removal Via Liposuction with Cosmetic Lipo?

Question

I have lipomas on my back and in other areas. Diameter is about 1-2 cm (1/2 to 3/4 inch or so). I have about 8 in my back, below my rib cage and above the waistline. I have had a tangerine-sized one removed from my neck, another from my arm, both benign. Can my lipomas be removed via liposuction, or would this just spread the problem around? Can I combine removing the lipomas with a cosmetic lipo to get rid of some belly and waist fat? I am 5'7" tall, 175 pounds. I exercise and I'm reasonably fit. Thanks!

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

If the diagnosis is clearly a lipoma, then you can have cosmetic liposuction at the same time. However, you are fooling no one if you think the insurance coverage for the lipoma excision is also going to cover your cosmetic liposuction. The insurance will only cover the OR and anesthesia time for the actual lipoma removal. Good luck.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Many doctors use liposuction for lipoma removal without a concern of "spreading them around" but I rather fully excise them to decrease the chance of them regrowing. The liposuction may debulk but not remove all of the lipoma cells and the growth(s) may regrow in the subsequent years.

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

As mentioned by a previous doctor lipomas typically come out in continuity, suctioning them may break them up and increase the chance of recurrence.  The other potential issue is separating what is cosmetic and reconstructive if you have this done in the hospital.  Your insurance will probably pay to remove the lipomas, but not the cosmetic portion.
Take care,
Dr T

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Yes, you can combine cosmetic liposuction with lipoma removal. However, you can have a recurrence of the lipoma if it is not totally removed. Lipomas can be localized (more or less in a ball) or they may have branches that cannot be felt. Your surgeon can advise you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Liposuction has been used to remove lipomas. However, this generally violates the basic principles of tumor removal because there is no way that liposuction will completely remove the lipoma and there is a higher risk of recurrence. Despite this it remains a popular option.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

In multiple lipomatosis taken by liposuction is hardly complete. recurrence is very common.
excise them and remove them completely and have a pathologist look at them.
At the same sitting can do cosmetic liposuction any where you want.
With multiple lipomatosis yu shpuld be screened for colon polyps (Gardner syndrome)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Lipomas are best removed by direct excision only . Liposuction may not remove the lipomas completely and therefore are not a great way to remove them.  I would excise them.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I would combine these 2 types of surgery as follows. For the lipomas, excision complete removal with possible scar at the incision sites. This allows full removal of the benign tumor 'mass'. Than I would liposuction (what ever type of liposuction) the areas of excessive cosmetic fatty accumulation. One portion of the operation is deemed reconstructive ( lipoma removal) and the other part is considered cosmetic. Hope this helps 
from MIAMI Dr. B

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

It appears you MAY have a familial predisposition to forming lipomas. As long as these fatty tumors are benign (IE lipoma vs. liposarcoma) there is no reason why should not be able to combine lipoma removal with liposuction.
Note that while lipomas could be PARTIALLY smoothed / removed with liposuction doing so may just be kicking the can further down the road. Eventually, incompletely removed lipomas will recur. But, this may be worthwhile in areas where scars are not desired. Consult with your Plastic surgeon for his/her opinion.

Can I Combine Lipoma Removal Via Liposuction with Cosmetic Lipo?

Answers (9)

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