I have a very large 15 cm lipoma on my back, what anesthesia would likely be used to remove this? (Photo)

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

Because of the large size of your lipoma, it probably would be most comfortable for you to have it removed either with local anesthesia with IV sedation or even possibly with general anesthesia or a deeper type of IV anesthesia.  You could discuss the options and recovery time with your surgeon.  

A lipoma this size should be resected and resected under general anesthesia or conscious sedation in a controlled environment like an operating room. The specimen should be sent for pathologic examination under a microscope once it is removed. 

For a lipoma this large I would normally recommend that the procedure be done using either intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia.  Most lipomas, even some of the larger ones, can be done using local anesthesia alone (sometimes with some additional sedation such as a Valium and/or a painkiller).But this a very large one and I would therefore recommend it be done using some sedation.  Speak to your plastic surgeon about this aspect of your care and it should be possible to set that up.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

For large lipomas they are usually done by a general surgeon under twilight anesthesia either at a surgery center or a hospital. Stitches will need to stay in for about 10-14 days usually on the body, but your surgeon would be able to give you specifics on that, as well as work restrictions. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."