Lipoma Removal: Indications, Procedure, and Recovery

Lipoma = benign, encapsulated, soft, mobile subcutaneous adipose tumor. Most asymptomatic; no treatment needed.

Indications for Excision

• Pain, tenderness, nerve compression
• Rapid growth, size >5 cm, deep location
• Cosmetic concern
• Diagnostic uncertainty (rule out liposarcoma)
• Functional impairment (joint motion, sitting)

Procedure (Outpatient)

1. Local anesthesia (± sedation)
2. Incision over lipoma (often within skin tension lines)
3. Blunt dissection, enucleation of capsule
4. Hemostasis, irrigation
5. Layered closure (deep + skin)
6. Specimen to pathology (confirm benign)

Recovery

• Minimal downtime; return to light activity next day
• Suture removal 7–14 days (if non-absorbable)
• Scar maturation 6–12 months
• Recurrence rare if capsule fully removed

Risks

• Infection, hematoma, seroma, nerve injury, poor scar, recurrence