Lipoma Removal in Phoenix
We remove soft tissue lumps with precision and care.
Lipoma Removal:
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Fatty Tumors
A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign tumor made up of fat tissue. These soft, rubbery lumps often appear just under the skin and are typically harmless. However, when a lipoma becomes painful, noticeable, or grows in size, it may require evaluation and removal by a board-certified dermatologist.
At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we offer expert lipoma diagnosis and removal with a focus on patient comfort, cosmetic outcome, and long-term results.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a superficial fatty tumor encased in a thin capsule. It grows between the skin and underlying muscle, and while usually small, lipomas can become larger over time. These tumors are noncancerous, do not spread to other parts of the body, and often remain asymptomatic.
Common Features of Lipomas:
- Soft and doughy texture
- Slightly movable under the skin
- Round or oval in shape
- Typically under 2 inches in diameter, though some grow larger
- Painless in most cases
They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Upper back
- Arms and thighs
- Chest and trunk
What Causes a Lipoma?
Lipomas most commonly affect adults between the ages of 40 and 60, and affect about 1% of the U.S. population. The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development:
Genetics:
Up to 2/3 of cases may have a family history
Soft tissue trauma:
Some lipomas may develop after injury
Obesity
Diabetes
Liver disease
Rare genetic disorders,
such as familial multiple lipomatosis
Symptoms of a Lipoma
Most lipomas are asymptomatic, but some may cause discomfort depending on their size and location.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Soft, rubbery lump under the skin
- Slight movement when touched
- Painless (unless pressing on nerves or joints)
- Cosmetic concern, especially in visible areas
- Rarely, rapid growth or pain may occur
If a lipoma feels
firm, fixed, or painful, it should be evaluated immediately to rule out other conditions like
liposarcoma, a rare cancerous fatty tumor.
How Are Lipomas Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often straightforward through a physical examination by your dermatologist.
Diagnostic Process:
- Review of
medical and family history
- Palpation of the mass to assess mobility, size, and texture
- Ultrasound may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other soft tissue growths
- Biopsy or MRI may be needed in rare or suspicious cases
Treatment Options for Lipomas
When Treatment Is Recommended:
- The lipoma is painful or growing rapidly
- It causes
cosmetic concerns
- It interferes with
movement or presses on
nerves
- There is
uncertainty about the diagnosis
Lipoma Treatment Methods:
Surgical Excision
- Gold standard treatment
- Complete removal of the lipoma and capsule
- Minimizes chance of recurrence
- Performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- Small scar, usually well hidden or fades over time
Liposuction
- May be used for
larger lipomas
- Removes fatty tissue but not the capsule
- Higher recurrence rate
Steroid Injections
- Used to shrink the lipoma temporarily
- Does
not remove the entire tumor
- May reduce discomfort or size before surgical removal
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipomas
Are lipomas cancerous?
No. Lipomas are benign and do not spread or turn into cancer. However, any unusual growth should be evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Do lipomas go away on their own?
Lipomas rarely go away without treatment. They may remain stable in size or slowly grow over time.
Can I prevent lipomas from forming?
There is no known way to prevent lipomas. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in most cases.
Is lipoma removal painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is generally well tolerated. Recovery is quick with minimal downtime.
Will the lipoma come back after removal?
Recurrence is rare if the lipoma and its capsule are completely removed via surgical excision.
Trust Phoenix’s Experts in Lipoma Evaluation & Removal
If you or a loved one has noticed a lump under the skin, don’t leave it to guesswork. At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, our experienced, board-certified dermatologists provide expert diagnosis and precise removal of lipomas and other skin growths with a focus on comfort and cosmetic outcomes.
Schedule your consultation today to ensure peace of mind and get expert care for your skin.
