A lipoma is almost always a benign fatty mass that develops under the skin. It can be moved around and is comprised of fat cells—with no pus or fluid inside, like a cyst. A lipoma is also not apt to burst like a cyst or abscess can. However, if you have a lipoma, it may bother you, and you may be seeking lipoma removal in Muncie.
Lipomas occur in a small percentage of people of any age but are more prevalent in individuals 40 to 60. Patients in families with a genetic history of developing lipomas are familiar with how large they can become, though most lipomas are slow-growing.
No one knows what causes a lipoma to grow, but if one bothers you, is painful, or is growing larger, you may want to remove it. Contact our team today to learn more about this surgical dermatology procedure and how to get started.
Lipomas typically grow under the skin and above the muscle where fatty tissue is present. They can appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back, or extremities. The usual type of lipoma, a “conventional lipoma,” is a clump of white fat cells. Less commonly, a lipoma may develop inside muscles, bones, or an internal organ.
A “hibernoma” is a type of lipoma that is somewhat rare and comprises brown fat cells. A “fibrolipoma” is a combination of fat tissue and fiber that can develop around a patient’s mouth.
An “angiolipoma” is also fairly rare and made up of fat cells intertwined with small blood vessels and capillaries. This type of lipoma can be painful when pressure is applied because its vessels press on underlying nerves.
Other rare types of lipomas grow within organ systems and are less likely to be visible under the skin. No matter the type, if painful or cosmetically displeasing, Muncie patients may be eager to have their lipomas removed.
For lipoma excision, the surgeon will first inject lidocaine into the area around the lipoma. Then, a scalpel is used to make a straight incision across the top of the skin where the lipoma is most bulbous.
A curved hemostat surgical tool is inserted into the space around the lipoma to break up any soft tissue connections. Gentle pressure is applied to both sides of the mass until the lipoma can be pulled out with forceps.
Lipoma removal with RF energy is also an option in Muncie. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized energy right into the lipoma that destroys the fat of the lipoma and the body dissolves and removes the destroyed fat. . This is a safe means of lipoma removal since the energy produced in the process gets absorbed by the fatty mass, protecting the surrounding skin tissue.
In some cases, surgeons can remove lipomas with liposuction. The fatty mass will be exposed with a small incision by a scalpel, and the surgeon will then insert a hollow tube to suck out the lipoma. For more information on lipoma removal and which method may be best for you, call our clinic today!
If you are worried about your lipoma in any way, you are in the right place to have Dr. Thorpe evaluate you. Our team has in-depth knowledge of lipoma removal procedures in Muncie and can answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with the Indiana Vein Institute today to schedule an appointment!
