What to expect after lipoma removal surgery?
Unwanted but typically harmless lipomas—those benign fatty masses under the skin—often prompt consideration for removal due to cosmetic or discomfort concerns.
For those choosing the path of lipoma removal surgery, navigating the recovery process is vital. This guide offers a comprehensive journey through the post-operative phase, addressing everything from initial recovery to long-term considerations.
Understanding what lies ahead can make the recovery process more manageable, whether for peace of mind or aesthetic reasons.
What is a lipoma?
Lipomas, non-cancerous and round or oval fatty growths beneath the skin, exhibit distinct characteristics outlined by the National Health Service.
These soft, movable masses vary in size, typically from a pea to a few centimeters. They often manifest without pain, growing gradually.
Lipomas are frequently located on the upper back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and upper thighs, but they can also manifest in less familiar areas such as the thighs, shoulders, and calves.
Identifying these patterns aids in distinguishing lipomas and provides valuable information about their usual sites and characteristics.
What Is Lipoma Removal Surgery?
Lipoma removal involves a surgical procedure aimed at eliminating non-cancerous lumps composed of fatty tissue.
Typically appearing as soft, small lumps beneath the skin, lipomas are usually benign and often don’t require treatment. However, removal might be considered if a lipoma becomes painful or grows significantly.
During the removal process, performed by a dermatologist, general surgeon, or plastic surgeon, the skin is cut with a scalpel to excise the lipoma. While many opt for removal for cosmetic reasons, leaving asymptomatic lipomas undisturbed is generally recommended.
Although most lipomas are harmless and don’t require intervention, larger or painful ones may warrant removal.
Importantly, once a lipoma is surgically removed, it typically does not regrow. The decision to pursue removal is often guided by cosmetic concerns or discomfort, ensuring the best outcome for the individual.
What’s the surgical procedure like?
Excision is the primary method for completely removing a lipoma, involving a surgical procedure performed ideally under sterile conditions in an appropriate operative theater.
Before the procedure, your surgeon will give you detailed instructions. These may involve cleaning the area with antibacterial soap, refraining from shaving around the lipoma and stopping certain medications like blood thinners.
Local anesthesia is commonly administered, involving an injection around the lump to numb the area. Sedation or general anesthesia through an IV may be utilized for more giant lipomas, inducing relaxation or sleep.
The surgical process typically unfolds as follows:
Local Anesthetic Injection: The surgeon numbs the area around the lipoma.
Incision: A cut is made in the skin over the lipoma.
Lipoma Removal: The surgeon extracts the lipoma and stitches the wound.
Duration: They are typically completed in under an hour, possibly in less than 30 minutes.
The incision’s width typically aligns with that of the lipoma.
Overall, excision offers a straightforward and efficient means of removing lipomas to achieve complete elimination.
What to expect after Lipoma removal surgery?
Here are some general expectations after lipoma removal surgery:
- Post lipoma removal, most part of the patients don’t suffer any kind of pain and even discontinue painkillers after 1-2 days. Eventually, mild pain, swelling, and bruising may appear, which gradually diminishes.
- Dressing on the incision site is crucial, and your surgeon will guide you on care to prevent infection. Adequate rest is advised, with limitations on strenuous activities or those that may bring direct trauma to the wound area.
- Follow-up appointments will monitor healing and stitches may be removed.
- Return to work varies, and gradual resumption of normal activities is allowed the day after surgery.
- Scarring is inevitable, but a delicate cosmetic stitching technique followed by scar care recommendations will develop the best possible result.
- On the surgery day, returning home is common.
- Pain management includes prescribed medications and ice packs.
- Dressings protect the surgical site, with clear instructions for changing them.
- Keeping the area clean and dry is emphasized for a smooth recovery.
Lipoma removal surgery recovery
After the procedure, expect to return home the same day. Stitches, if used, may dissolve or need removal in 12 to 14 days.
Discomfort around the surgical site is normal for the first few days and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some swelling may occur; ice application can help.
Most daily activities can resume immediately, but exercise might be delayed for around two weeks. While lipomas rarely regrow, a second surgery may be considered if necessary.
What risks might be associated with undergoing surgical removal of a Lipoma?
Lipoma surgery is generally safe, but risks include bleeding and infection. You may contact your doctor if stitches break or signs of infection like fever, swelling, or nausea occur. Expect a possible permanent scar post-surgery.
Choose Dr. Daniel Serralta for Lipoma Treatment In Dubai
Dr. Daniel Serralta is a highly experienced General Surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic surgery and complex coloproctology in Dubai, and counts with an excellent cosmetic technique while stitching.
With over 19 years of dedicated practice, he is recognized as a skilled coloproctology doctor and a prominent figure in the field.
With proficiency in diverse surgical procedures, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care, as evidenced by his numerous contributions to the medical community.