Removal of Lipoma

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What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a fatty tumour that grows just beneath the skin. Lipomas are harmless and do not usually cause any pain or discomfort. However, they can sometimes be unsightly, and some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

There are several different surgical techniques that can be used to remove a lipoma. The type of surgery that is best for you will depend on the size and location of the tumor. Surgery to remove a lipoma is typically safe and effective, with minimal scarring.

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The Benefits of Lipoma Removal

There are several benefits of having a lipoma removed, including:

• Lipomas can be unsightly.
• Lipomas can sometimes cause discomfort or pain if they press on nerves or blood vessels.
• Surgery to remove a lipoma is typically safe and effective, with minimal scarring.

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How Does Lipoma Removal Work?

• Lipoma removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery usually takes less than an hour to complete.
• During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision over the lipoma and then carefully remove it. In most cases, the entire lipoma can be removed without having to cut into surrounding tissues.
• After the lipoma has been removed, your surgeon will close the incision with stitches or surgical tape. You’ll likely have some soreness and bruising around the incision site for a few days after surgery. But this should quickly improve with time.

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Lipoma removal is not typically available on the NHS, as it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure. However, in some cases where the lipoma is causing pain or discomfort, your GP may refer you to a plastic surgeon for further assessment.

Lipomas are benign (noncancerous) tumors that develop from fat cells. They are usually slow-growing and most often occur on the trunk, shoulders, neck, or armpits. Lipomas can also occur in other parts of the body including the arms, legs, and back.

There is no known cause of lipomas but they tend to run in families. While anyone can develop a lipoma, they are more common in middle-aged adults.

There is no sure way to prevent lipomas from forming, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help reduce the amount of fatty tissue in your body, which may help reduce the formation of lipomas. Avoiding injury to the area where lipomas commonly form (such as the shoulders, back, and thighs) may also help prevent their development.

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