Discovering a lump under your skin can be unsettling. The good news is that many of these lumps turn out to be harmless. One of the most common is a lipoma—a slow-growing collection of fatty tissue that develops just beneath the skin.
If you’re looking for lipoma removal near Fairfax, VA, understanding what a lipoma is and when it should be evaluated can help you decide on your next steps.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a soft, rubbery lump made up of fat cells. It’s usually painless, moves easily when you press on it, and grows slowly over time. Lipomas can develop almost anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and thighs.
Most lipomas aren’t dangerous, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Any new lump or one that’s changing in size should be examined by a dermatologist to confirm exactly what it is.
When Should a Lipoma Be Removed?
Not every lipoma needs to be removed.
Many people choose to leave them alone if they aren’t causing any problems. However, treatment may be recommended if a lipoma:
- Is painful or tender
- Continues to grow
- Gets in the way of daily activities
- Rubs against clothing or becomes irritated
- Bothers you because of its appearance
If you’re unsure whether your lipoma should be removed, a dermatologist can examine it and discuss your options.
What Happens During Lipoma Removal?
Lipoma removal is typically a simple in-office procedure performed with local anesthesia.
Your dermatologist will make a small incision to remove the fatty tissue while taking care to minimize scarring as much as possible. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine shortly afterward, and you’ll receive instructions on how to care for the area while it heals.
Lipoma Removal Near Fairfax, VA
At ACS Dermatology, we provide personalized care for patients with lipomas, cysts, moles, and other skin concerns. Our board-certified dermatologists will evaluate the area, answer your questions, and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for lipoma removal near Fairfax, VA, we’re here to help. Contact us and our team will guide you through the process and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no. Lipomas are benign (noncancerous) growths made up of fat cells. Even though they’re usually harmless, it’s important to have any new lump or one that’s changing evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
No. Lipomas typically don’t disappear without treatment. If they aren’t causing any problems, they can often be left alone. If they become painful, continue to grow, or bother you cosmetically, removal may be a good option.
Lipoma removal is usually performed using local anesthesia, so the area is numbed before the procedure begins. You may feel some pressure, but most patients experience very little discomfort during treatment.
Once a lipoma has been completely removed, it’s uncommon for it to return in the same location. Your dermatologist can discuss what to expect based on your specific situation.
Any procedure that requires an incision will leave a small scar, but your dermatologist will use techniques designed to keep scarring as minimal as possible. Over time, most scars continue to fade as they heal.