Where should I go to have a lipoma removed? A lipoma has been growing under one armpit.

Question

After a breast reduction surgery 20 years ago, a cyst/lipoma has been growing under one arm pit. It's grown from the size of an egg to the size of a small avocado now. It's hard to wear many tops/blouses/bras, because it takes up more room than my "normal" side. It also sticks way out when I wear something with thin/no straps. What is the best doctor to remove this? What is the most cost effective? I live in San Diego and I have Anthem PPO, but pretty sure it won't be covered. Thank you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Best to have a diagnosis made first so that the best treatment advice can be rendered.  Though a lipoma is commonly encountered in the armpit it may also be breast tissue or a cyst.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.

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

LIPOMA REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Where should I go to have a lipoma removed? A lipoma has been growing under one armpit.

Answers (2)

LIPOMA REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU