Such a Relief!

Had a small lipoma on my shoulder for 8 years - in the past 3, it became massive. Since it was on my back, I couldn't see it or really even feel it - even though I swam laps every day. I continually postponed having it removed as it would keep me out of the pool for 3-4 weeks. However, as I work in the health industry, it was unacceptably hideous. Honestly, by the time I got it removed, it was about as big as the top of a baby's head - literally, I was Quasimodo. I consulted with a number of plastic surgeons in Los Angeles (where I live) and in the suburbs of Washington, DC (where my parents live). The size of the lipoma was alarming to many providers. The others, including the famous Dr. Pimple Popper, Dr. Lee, had schedules that were impossible to navigate. The advantages is that it was soft and malleable. It was above the muscle, not below, and well encapsulated so that the removal was meant to be relatively simple. FINALLY, I met the kind and extremely capable Dr. Gregory O. Dick (or G.O.D. as his friends call him). He immediately scheduled surgery in his office with local anesthetic. I showed up 30 min before the surgery, took 1/2 a valium and smiled through the 45-minute surgery. The good doctor played Beyonce and the nurses - and everyone there - was super nice, helpful and friendly. The first night post-surgery and the first day after were pretty achy and sore. The worst thing was the drain which seemed to poke into my back. But within 4 days, I felt fine - though irritatingly I am not meant to exercise or break a sweat. Yesterday, I got the stitches out and instructions not to swim til early February. But so far so good! Thank you, Dr. G.O.D.! I recommend him highly.

I've always had a weakness for scars - for me, they are the ways that life marks us. I am so grateful for my time on the planet. Anyway, no huge lump and probably if I had stopped swimming laps in the sun in Santa Monica, I might have been scarless. I do find it sometimes gets a little itchy or tight, so I massage some Weleda Skin Food (amazing product) into the scar at night. But apart from that it has been painless and perfect. If you are considering getting a lipoma removed, I recommend doing it as soon as you can afford it and find a doctor you like.