Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I have a lipoma that is located in between my back, between my shoulders near my spine (please see photo attached) it’s about 8x5cm nogel. Does removing the lipoma that size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues once it’s removed? Also, is it better to be under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. I ask because, two separate doctors have their opinion on how to do the procedure under those two anesthesia. I’m so nervous... Thank you!

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The only way to treat lipomas is to excise or surgically remove them. Depending upon its size, local or general anesthesia can be used. Damage to nerves should not present a problem. However, you will have a small scar.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Surgical removal of a lipoma is a relatively minor procedure and should not cause any damage to nerves.  In my opinion, the lipoma on your back could be removed in the office with just local anesthesia.  Each surgeon will have their own preference though.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

no risk to any nerves or issues in that area but if this is stuck on the muscle or bone this will be an extensive surgery with a scar.  I suggest you see an expert we do this daily in our practice. Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  For most patients there will not be any issue to your nerves and will not trigger any issues, but it will result in a scar.  In most cases a lipoma can be removed under local anesthesia but general is also acceptable.

Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Large lipoma on the back

Answer: Large lipoma on the back

Answer: Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

Answer: Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Large lipoma on the back

Answer: Large lipoma on the back

Answer: Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

Answer: Does removing the lipoma this size cause any damage to my nerves or trigger any other issues? (Photos)

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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.