Non-Cancer Growths
Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care
Medical Dermatology
Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Cosmetic Dermatology• Lipomas (Fatty Lumps)
What They Are and How We Treat Them
A lipoma is a common, non-cancerous (benign) lump made of fatty tissue that grows slowly under the skin. Lipomas are usually soft, movable, and painless. Many people choose to leave them alone—but removal is an option if a lipoma is bothersome, growing, or uncomfortable.
Good news: Most lipomas are harmless and can often be removed with a quick in-office procedure.
What Does a Lipoma Feel Like?
Lipomas often:
Feel soft or “doughy”
Move slightly when you press on them
Grow slowly over months or years
Are usually painless (but can cause discomfort if pressing on nerves or in a high-friction area)
Common locations: neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
When Should You Get a Lump Checked?
Any new or changing lump should be evaluated—especially if it:
Is growing quickly
Is painful
Feels firm, fixed, or deeper in the tissue
Causes numbness/tingling
Appears with skin changes (redness, warmth, drainage)
Sometimes a lump that seems like a lipoma can be a cyst, enlarged lymph node, or another growth that needs a different approach.
How Lipomas Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis often starts with a simple office exam. If the lump has unusual features (deep, fast-growing, firm, painful), we may recommend:
Ultrasound (often the first imaging choice)
MRI (for deeper or more complex lumps)
Biopsy or removal if diagnosis is uncertain
Treatment Options
Watch and Monitor
If it’s small and not bothersome, monitoring is reasonable.
In-Office Removal (Excision)
The most common and definitive treatment is surgical excision:
Local numbing medicine (you’re awake)
A small incision
The lipoma is removed
Stitches may be placed
The tissue is often sent to pathology for confirmation
Most patients return to normal activities quickly with a few simple precautions.
Pre-Op Instructions (Before Lipoma Removal)
These are typical guidelines—your provider may adjust based on location and size.
1–2 weeks before (if applicable):
Tell us if you take blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix) or aspirin/NSAIDs.
Let us know about supplements that may increase bleeding (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic pills, turmeric).
Share any history of keloids, poor wound healing, or reactions to numbing medicine.
The day before / day of:
Shower and arrive with clean skin (no lotion on the area).
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t rub the site.
Eat normally unless we give different instructions.
If the area is hairy, don’t shave the day of (it can irritate the skin). We’ll guide you if trimming is needed.
Plan ahead:
If your lipoma is large or in a spot that limits movement, consider arranging a ride and keeping your schedule light afterward.
Post-Op Instructions (After Lipoma Removal)
What to Expect
Mild soreness, tightness, or bruising for a few days
Small amount of spotting on the bandage the first day
A scar that fades gradually over months
Wound Care (Typical)
Keep the bandage on and the area dry for 24 hours (or as instructed).
After 24 hours, you may gently wash with soap and water. Pat dry.
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline/Aquaphor) unless told otherwise.
Replace with a clean bandage daily until healed.
Activity
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or stretching the area for 3–14 days, depending on location and size.
If the lipoma was on the back, shoulder, arm, or thigh, movement restrictions may be more important.
Pain Control
Most patients do well with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen/naproxen for the first 24–48 hours unless your doctor says it’s okay, since these can increase bruising.
Call Us Right Away If You Notice:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or worsening pain after day 2–3
Pus-like drainage or bad odor
Fever or chills
Bleeding that soaks through the dressing and doesn’t stop with firm pressure
The wound edges separate
Scar Care (After the Skin Has Sealed)
Once fully closed, consider:
Silicone gel or silicone sheets daily for 6–12 weeks
Daily sunscreen over the scar (SPF 30+) to reduce darkening
Schedule an Evaluation
If you have a new lump—or one that’s growing, painful, or changing—schedule an exam so we can confirm what it is and discuss your best options.