Lipoma recurrence after removal?

Question

i had a lipoma in my upper left arm removed about 2 years ago. Biopsy showed benign results. However, a year after, a new one has formed and developed just beside the original area. Also, two other small lumps developed in my other arm. same area with those in the left arm. what is the reason for this? I am afraid to have them surgially removed again. I fear that if i do, new ones might develop again. please guide me what to do. 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your lipoma difficulties. Though surgery to remove a lipoma limits recurrence, it does not prevent the body from forming new ones.  Lipoma formation is based on a patient's genetics and can develop anywhere and at any point in time.  Hope this helps.

Abdulla Fakhro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Shallie, lipomas can be troublesome. They tend to recur if they are not completely excised or just occur elsewhere. It is surprising but some families just have them occur more frequently than others. I dont think excising them will affect new ones from appearing. I will tell you this, if they are causing you much discomfort, either pain or they just dont look good, you can see your doctor for removal. Otherwise, most people have lipomas that they tend not to do much about. 
One thing, if you have a strong family history of lipomas you should mention that to your doctor, there are a series of inheritable disorders with benign lipomas that often have weirdly enough have funny things happen elsewhere like polyps in the intestines etc. Not trying to alarm you just want you to be aware of this. 
Your doctor can really help better advise you here, hope this helps

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