Treatments

Lipomas are benign growths of fatty tissue that can develop in various parts of the body. They can range in size from tiny to quite large and are often painless, slow-growing, and soft to the touch. Although they are typically harmless, they can be unsightly or cause discomfort when they press against surrounding structures or organs.

Surgical removal of lipomas is an effective treatment option. The two primary methods of removal are excision and liposuction. Excision involves making a small incision in the skin and cutting out the lipoma entirely. This method is preferred for larger or more deeply embedded lipomas. It is a quick and straightforward procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia. After excision, stitches are used to close the incision, and a dressing is applied.

Liposuction, on the other hand, uses a small tube called a cannula to suction out the fatty tissue. This method is better suited for smaller lipomas that are close to the skin’s surface. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision and injecting a numbing solution before the cannula is inserted. The fatty tissue is then suctioned out, and the incision is closed with stitches.

Both excision and liposuction have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the lipoma’s size, location, and depth. While these procedures are generally safe, some risks associated with surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring, must be considered.