Is this a lipoma on my inner thigh? What can I do? (Photos)

Question

It has become cosmetically ugly. It has become hard to walk and it hurts when i walk because it rubs against my other thigh. I feel like i have to walk with my legs wide open. What can i do?

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 photographs.  Unfortunately it is not clear what this area of your inner thigh is as it may be a lipoma but more likely is excess adipose tissue with some lymphatic system changes.  I would advise seeing your general practice/family medicine doctor for an in-person evaluation.  They can offer appropriate testing or referral to a specialist for the best advice.  Best wishes.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It's hard to tell from these photos - if you can take some from a little farther away we might be able to get better perspective on exactly what this represents.  Either way, though, you'll need to be seen in person, preferably by a board-certified plastic or other surgeon, for a full and complete assessment.  A typical lipoma is a circumscribed, well-defined mass that protrudes from the area around it; it's difficult to say if that applies in this case.  An in-person exam would be the next step.  I hope that this helps and good luck.  Dr. Alan Engler, Member of #RealSelf500.

Is this a lipoma on my inner thigh? What can I do? (Photos)

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Is this a lipoma on my inner thigh? What can I do? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.