Have you noticed bumps on your skin? The kind that are soft, painless and have a habit of showing up unannounced. If so, these may be lipomas. But not to worry, as we are going to explore these in more detail, discussing their causes, symptoms and the removal process.

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that usually forms beneath the skin's surface that typically feels doughy and can be moved around slightly when touched. More frequently found in adults, lipomas are tissue growths which can develop anywhere on the body and can vary in size. Despite lipomas being harmless, people choose lipoma removal surgery in cases where they are irritable or for cosmetic reasons.

Even though lipomas are common, not everyone knows about the causes, symptoms and treatments for lipoma. We have prepared this guide to discuss everything you need to know about lipomas.

Let's look into the Lipoma causes! 

Understanding The Top Lipoma Causes

Lipomas are one of the most common types of soft tissue tumours. While the exact reasons behind the condition is unknown, some of the most common Lipoma causes may include:

• Genetics: Lipomas often have a genetic predisposition. Genetic conditions like multiple lipomatosis, caused by specific gene mutations can substantially raise the risk of lipoma formation.
• Age: While lipomas occur at any age, they are observed to be more prevalent in adults. This is primarily because as people age, they experience changes in metabolism and cell turnover which may increase the likelihood of developing lipomas.
• Lifestyle Habits: Your diet and exercise habits may have an indirect influence on lipoma development. Obesity, often related to poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of lipomas.
• Hormonal factors: Hormones, such as insulin, play a pivotal role in fat cell growth which leads to hormonal fluctuations. As these fluctuations cause imbalances within the body, it accelerates the growth of lipomas.

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

To understand the lipoma symptoms, causes and removal procedures, it is recommended you seek professional assistance.

For the best lipoma diagnosis, the medical professional will perform a thorough examination of your lipoma by considering its size, texture and location. Some key aspects of such an evaluation include a physical examination, discussing your medical history and on the basis of that, recommending a treatment for lipoma.

Once the diagnosis is clear, your doctor can recommend the best lipoma removal procedure depending on your preference and medical needs. When addressing concerns such as lipoma, it is best you seek professional help to avoid complications. 

Excision Treatment for Lipoma

One of the most common lipoma removal surgeries is excision, especially for those lipomas that cause severe pain or discomfort. Here's how the excision works:

Before the procedure, your surgeon will numb the lipoma area using a local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, your doctor will make a small incision over the lipoma, carefully cutting through the skin to remove the fatty tissue beneath. For lipoma removal, your surgeon may use a surgical instrument to excise the lipoma from your skin and prevent the chances of recurrence. After the lipoma removal surgery, the incision will be closed with sutures and may be covered with a sterile dressing.

Excision is considered a safe and effective treatment for lipoma removal. However, it's essential you discuss the procedure with your doctor for self-assurance. 

Recovery and After-Care

Usually, lipoma removal is a quick procedure. However, the healing period may be a little longer, depending on the lipoma causes and treatments.

Your doctor may provide with you some after-care tips, specific to your case, which you must follow to heal your wounds. However, here are some general guidelines you can follow to heal well.

• Keep the treated area clean and dry.
• Attend regular follow-ups for dressing changes and check-ups on your healing progress.
• Take any medication that may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent infections.
• Avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting which may cause pressure and stretch the stitches/wound.

Following the lipoma removal surgery, you may experience some redness, swelling or bruising, but this typically subsides within a few weeks. However, if you feel any discomfort or pain, it is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Choose Rippon Medical Services for Lipoma Removal 

If you're someone who wants to get rid of these benign growths, you will need to seek medical assistance for lipoma removal. Since specialised doctors are well qualified to provide advice and treatment for lipoma, their knowledge and experience is invaluable. That's when Rippon Medical Services comes in.

At Rippon Medical Services, we possess the expertise and specialisation in the field of skin concerns, body conditions and minor surgeries. By offering personalised treatment options we aim to provide you with a sense of comfort and trust throughout any and all procedures we undertake.

What's more, along with treatment for lipoma, we also offer face treatments, skin condition procedures, wellness products and a lot more!

To find the best treatment for lipoma, book an appointment with us today!