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

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tntango,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like it can be removed under local anesthesia. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Libby Copeland-Halperin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos. Lipomas are fatty tumors that are generally benign (not cancer). However, they can be bothersome, disfiguring, and do tend to get bigger with time, and so I recommend patients have them removed. I perform lipoma removal surgery using a combination of direct excision and liposuction, which allows me to use a very small incision (and, therefore, a very small scar). I perform this procedure in our office’s fully accredited operating room under local anesthesia. There are risks with any procedure and I would need to examine you in-person to fully answer your question, but nerve damage with lipoma removal is unlikely. I recommend you speak with a fully-trained plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Good luck!

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Most lipomas are isolated from important nerves or blood vessels and therefore safe to remove. For a larger lipoma such as the one you have, I prefer patients be under sedation or general anesthesia for a more efficient and pain-free procedure while keeping the scarring to a minimum. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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

Answers (8)

More Lipoma Removal Questions

Soft tissue mass - can a plastic surgeon or general surgeon remove?

Can a lipoma in my stomach affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Can you surgically remove a lipoma on the buttocks that has cellular atrophy?

What would be the cost of lipoma removal on buttock?

Could a lipoma on my left hip near nerves cause pain?

I have a large intramuscular lipoma of my upper arm involving triceps muscle. (10.4cmx5.6x4.3.) Recovery time?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS