LIPOMA REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of a lipoma (benign, fatty tumor).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin and underlying tissue, usually on the back, arms and legs.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Improved appearance.
• If lipoma is bothersome, e.g., at the belt-line.
• Prevention of cancer (rare).

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH--Recent illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Family doctor, general surgeon, dermatologist or plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made over the lipoma.
• The lipoma is opened, cut free from connective tissue and removed.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• Lipomas can also be removed by liposuction (see in Surgery section).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--None.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY---No restrictions.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.