How long is the recovery period after lipoma removal? Are there any restrictions during recovery?

Question

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Lipoma resection recovery is typically quick, but it can depend on the size and location of the lipoma.  In rare cases drains may be required.  Exercise may need to be curtailed for a few weeks.
You should have a careful discussion with your surgeon regarding the specific details.

I hope this helps!

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Mardi,
   Removing a few lipomas causes no downtime.  It is a small incision, abut 3/8" and a steristrip bandage.
You can shower the next day, move and get around normally.  Usually there is not enough discomfort to need an ibuprofen or tylenol.  Strenuous athletic activity is avoided for 7-10 days. 
  When I take out 20-40 at a time, there may be a need for some pain meds for several days, but the recovery for normal activity is about 3-5 days.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Lipoma removal recovery depends on how large the lipoma and incision are, and where the lesion is located. In most cases, wound care would be very straightforward and uncomplicated, with possibly only requiring some antibiotic ointment application 2-3 days until the incision is healed. My patients would be instructed to refrain from physical exertion, exercise, lifting, or straining for a total of 2 weeks. For very large lipomas, some pain medicine and antibiotics may be required post-operatively. 
All the best,

Darrick E. Antell, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, depending on the size or location, I remove lipomas with local anesthesia. You can go home afterwards and patients typically return to work the next day. This should have minimal impact on your daily routine.

Erik Borncamp, MD · Answer

Great question!

Like some of the things in life it depends.  Small lipomas can often be removed in the office under local anesthesia with no restrictions.  Larger lipomas, including those deep in the muscle may require outpatient surgery with “twilight anesthesia “and may result in activity restrictions.  Best to discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Hope that helps,

Erik Borncamp M.D., FACS

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

The  recovery depends on how large the Lipoma is and where it's located. In most cases they are superficial and most patients can have this procedure done in 30 minutes under local anesthesia and return to work the next day. I would recommend you find a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of plastic surgery who has an extensive experience in lipoma removal.Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Robert S. Backstein, MD · Answer

The vast majority of lipomas are removed surgically under local anesthesia in what is considered "minor surgery". Recovery is very similar to recovering from a cut to the skin. The major considerations are the size/length of the incision which relates to the size of the lipoma removed, the body area, and what your lifestyle entails. A larger incision on the shoulder in a highly physical job will have a different recovery period (around 10 days laying off more physically demanding work, sports etc) than a small lipoma on the forehead with a desk job (basically no recovery at all). So the answer really does depend on the specifics of the case but as a rule, 2-10 days is what you should expect.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovery time will depend upon whether the lipoma was subcutaneous or submuscular and, certainly, its size.  Patients return to work the following day with suture removal about one week later, depending on the location of the mass.  You should refrain from exercise which could affect the patenxy of the closure until given the all clear by your plastic surgeon.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Lipoma removal is a minor procedure i perform quite frequently at my clinic. There is almost no downtime when removing a lipoma. Some of my patients have come on their lunch break to have one removed. A dressing is placed on the area & I advise my patients to keep the dressing on the area for as long as possible or until it falls off. Follow up appointment is required after 1 week to possibly remove any stitches and to assure proper recover and healing. Pain medication is prescribed in case but normally Tylenol is sufficient. Exercise can be resumed after 1 - 2 weeks. Hope this Helped!

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

As a general rule, recovery from lipoma surgery is fairly quick. You should be able to return to work in most instances within a day or two. The greatest risk of bleeding and swelling occurs in the first 48 hours after surgery so you should be a little more careful during this time, and I wouldn't recommend working out while the sutures are in place (7-14 days, depending on site).

How long is the recovery period after lipoma removal? Are there any restrictions during recovery?

Answers (15)

More Lipoma Removal Questions

Insurance Coverage for Lipoma Removal?

What is the best method for removing several lipomas?

How Much Pain Should I Expect After Lipoma Removal?

How Much Does a Single Lipoma Surgery Usually Cost?

Can a Lipoma in the Lower Back Cause Pain to Go Further Up my Back?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Lipoma Removal?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (15)

More Lipoma Removal Questions

Insurance Coverage for Lipoma Removal?

What is the best method for removing several lipomas?

How Much Pain Should I Expect After Lipoma Removal?

How Much Does a Single Lipoma Surgery Usually Cost?

Can a Lipoma in the Lower Back Cause Pain to Go Further Up my Back?

What Are the Pros and Cons of Lipoma Removal?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS