I have a lipoma the size of a golf ball on my middle lower back right above my buttocks. I have never had surgery and I am self conscious of the lump and want it removed. What are the pros and cons of removal?
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November 15, 2012
Answer: Pros and cons of lipoma removal, including risks
I don't recall ever having a patient stay in a hospital after removal of a lipoma. In most cases I perform the surgery in our own on-site accredited facility under only local anesthesia. You can drive yourself home.
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Although the cause of lipomas is not known, it is not inconceivable that a lipoma can occur after trauma to the area. I personally treat many patients with diffuse lipomatosis in which someone has multiple lipomas. These patients often note that a lipoma does occur in areas associated with...
The vast majority of lipomas are removed with local anesthesia. Rarely, if there is an exceptionally large one, or if it's in a precarious location, sedation may accompany the local anesthesia.
Particularly if it hurts, I would recommend removal.