Overview
A lipoma is a benign, slow-growing fatty tumour that develops beneath the skin within the subcutaneous tissue. Lipomas are among the most common soft tissue tumours and can occur anywhere on the body, most frequently on the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, and abdomen. They are typically soft, moveable, and painless. While lipomas are non-cancerous and generally harmless, they may cause discomfort if they press on nerves or blood vessels, grow rapidly, or cause aesthetic concerns. In such cases, surgical excision is recommended as the most effective and permanent treatment.
The Procedure
Lipoma excision at ILS Hospitals is performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. A small incision is made over the lipoma, and the fatty tissue is carefully dissected and removed in its entirety, along with its capsule, to prevent recurrence. The size of the incision is kept as small as possible to minimise scarring. Once the lipoma is fully excised, the wound is closed with sutures and dressed. The procedure usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size and location of the lipoma. The excised tissue is routinely sent for histopathological examination to confirm the benign nature of the growth.
Recovery
Recovery following lipoma excision is swift. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Sutures are typically removed within 7 to 10 days. Patients are advised to keep the wound clean and dry and to avoid strenuous physical activity for a week. Mild bruising or swelling around the excision site is normal and resolves within a few days. At ILS Hospitals, our surgical team prioritises minimal scarring and thorough removal, ensuring both aesthetic and clinical satisfaction for every patient.
