A lipoma is a lump of fat that grows slowly in body's soft tissues. Although lipomas are generally benign and harmless, some patients elect to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or for other reasons such as pain and discomfort. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre specialize in surgical intervention of skin conditions such as lipomas.
What are lipomas?
A lipoma is a collection of fatty tissue that is usually found just below the skin. Lipomas feel soft and rubbery and move easily when touched. It can occur almost anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the trunk, shoulders, neck, and armpits. About 1 person out of every 1,000 will get a lipoma at some point in their lives. Although it is classified as a tumour, in most cases it is harmless.
What are the causes and risk factors?
The causes of lipomas are not fully understood. Lipomas can occur in people of all ages, however, they tend to occur more often in middle-aged men and women. They affect both sexes equally and there may be a genetic component as many patients with lipomas come from a family with a history of these benign tumours. In some cases, previous injury to a part of the body may trigger the growth of lipoma.
What are the symptoms?
Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body. They are typically:
Situated just under the skin: They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
Soft and mobile to the touch: They move easily with slight finger pressure.
Generally small: Lipomas are typically less than 5cm in diameter, but they can grow with time.
Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.
When to see a doctor?
A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. But if you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, have it checked by a doctor. Many patients elect to get them removed for cosmetic reasons as they may grow large and become noticeable.
With many years of experience and using the most advanced surgical techniques, we aim to remove lipomas with a least amount of discomfort, scarring, and downtime. Please contact our office today to book a complimentary consultation. A physician's referral is not required to be assessed by our plastic surgeons for lipomas.
What happens during lipoma removal?
Our plastic surgeons remove lipomas by surgically excising them. Local anesthetic will be injected prior to treatment to minimize pain and discomfort. Although it is impossible to remove lipomas without leaving a scar, we will do our best to keep the incision and scarring as minimal as possible.
How do I get started?
Contact our office today to book a complimentary consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons regarding your lipoma removal.
Please note that a doctor's referral is not required to book a consultation. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Minor Procedures - Frequently Asked Questions
Which minor procedures are covered under OHIP?
OHIP coverage status for a procedure is not determined by your family doctor or by the surgeons at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre. The Ministry of Health has determined a number of procedures to be OHIP covered while others are not. Examples of skin growths and conditions that are generally not covered under OHIP are:
- Lipomas
- Skin Cysts
- Non-suspicious Moles
- Dermatofibromas
- Xanthelasmas
If you are ever in doubt or have specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to address your concerns in a timely manner.
Who will be performing the minor procedures?
All of our patients being treated for minor procedures are seen by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. You will get their undivided attention from the initial consultation, physical examination, and the actual procedure itself, followed by follow-up appointments to make sure that everything goes smoothly and even better healing process.
Will my procedure be painful?
All minor procedures are preceded with administration of local anesthetic. This is to ensure that the treatment area will be numb throughout the procedure and minimize any possible pain and discomfort.
Will I get a scar?
It is impossible to escape a scar after an incision is made on your skin. However, with experience and advanced surgical techniques, scarring can be minimized. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience and the technical expertise to remove your skin growths and lesions while placing strong emphasis on minimizing post-operative scarring.
When can I return to work?
This is a very good question that is difficult to answer as everyone's jobs are very different. The main goal is to minimize the physical strain and tension placed on the treatment area following your procedure. This is done to maintain the integrity of the stitches and minimize potential risk of infections and poor scarring. Our plastic surgeons will give you detailed guidance on your appropriate post-operative course.
How long will my procedure take?
This will depend on the type of procedure being performed. You will get a chance to have all your questions addressed during your private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. If you simply forgot to ask, then please call our clinic and one of our staff will be more than happy to assist you.
