By: Eastern Eye Staff
A lipoma is a non-cancerous lump that grows under the skin composed of fat cells. While they are generally not harmful, some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. The removal of a lipoma is typically a straightforward procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.
Before the procedure, you will consult a doctor to determine if the lipoma should be removed. They will examine the lump, take a medical history, and discuss the procedure with you. You should also inform the doctor if you have any allergies, are taking any medications or supplements, or have any underlying medical conditions.
During the consultation, your doctor will also discuss the different procedures available to remove the lipoma. These may include:
Experts from wcongplasticsurgery.com.sg/skin-lump-surgery-lipoma-removal-singapore state that the lipoma removal procedure is typically outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. The system will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and location of the lipoma.
Before the procedure begins, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the lipoma. If the lipoma is giant or sensitive, your doctor may also give you a sedative to help you relax.
Once the area is numb, the doctor will make a small incision in the skin and remove the lipoma. They may also remove the capsule, which is the tissue that surrounds the lipoma. This helps to reduce the chances of the lipoma growing back.
If the lipoma is vast, the doctor may need to make a larger incision to remove it. Sometimes, they may need to use stitches to close the incision. Your doctor will discuss this with you before the procedure.
Once the procedure is over, the doctor will cover the incision with a bandage. You may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision site, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication if necessary.
You may experience some swelling and bruising around the incision site. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You may also have numbness or tingling around the area where the lipoma was removed. This is also normal and should go away within a few weeks.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the incision site. This may include keeping it clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activity for a few days, and avoiding swimming or soaking in water for a few days. You will also need to keep the bandage on for a few days or until your doctor tells you it is okay to remove it.
It is essential to monitor the incision site for signs of infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the site, immediately contact your doctor.