Lipoma Treatment - Diagnosis, Procedure and Recovery

Benefits of Lipoma Removal Surgery

Lipoma removal offers significant benefits to the individual, especially if the condition is symptomatic. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Relief from Symptoms: Lipoma removal surgery provides relief from symptoms like pain, tenderness, pressure, or interference with movements. This will improve the patient’s quality of life significantly. 
• Cosmetic Improvement: Lipomas can greatly affect an individual’s appearance, especially when they are large, clearly visible, or located in prominent areas of the body. The surgery can address these concerns and improve the individual’s appearance. 
• Prevention of Complications: Although lipomas are benign tumors, as they grow, they can become infected, and their large size can compress the nerves. Lipoma surgery eliminates the risk of these complications. 
• Peace of Mind: For individuals who are concerned about the possibility of their lipoma being cancerous (liposarcoma), lipoma removal surgery can provide peace of mind. The surgical excision allows for a thorough examination of the tissue, and if the lipoma is found to be benign, it can alleviate any worries about the presence of a malignant tumor.

Preparation Before Lipoma Surgery

The specific instructions provided by a doctor for preparation before lipoma surgery may vary depending on the individual case and the surgeon’s preferences. Here are some general guidelines that are often given to patients before undergoing lipoma surgery: 

• The doctor will advise the patient whether to continue or stop the medications, supplements, or herbal remedies. 
• Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. 
• The doctor may recommend fasting before the surgery. It means the patient should avoid eating and drinking anything for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure. This will reduce the risk of aspiration after administering anesthesia. 
• As maintaining proper hygiene is necessary, the doctor may suggest using a special antibacterial soap for the patient on the night before the surgery or in the morning to reduce the risk of infection. 
• The doctor may instruct the patient to wear loose and comfortable clothes on the day of surgery and avoid wearing jewelry, makeup, nail polish, moisturizer, or other skincare products. 
• If the patient smokes, drinks alcohol, or uses recreational drugs, the doctor may advise him/her to avoid smoking, drinking, and using specific drugs at least 1-2 weeks before the surgery. 
• It is also important for the patient to arrange for someone to accompany him/her to the hospital and transportation too, as he/she will not be able to drive after the surgery. 

If the patient has any doubts or concerns about the surgery or the preoperative instructions, it’s important to discuss them with the doctor. 

What Happens During Lipoma Surgery?

During the surgery, the patient is taken to the OT (operation theater), and the procedure is carried out. The steps involved are mentioned below:

• A local anesthetic is injected into the targeted area to numb it. If the size of the lipoma is large, the anesthetist may recommend using regional or general anesthesia to carry out the procedure in a painless manner. 
• An incision is made around the lipoma through which the liposuction cannula is inserted. The laser or ultrasound wave emitter is activated to emulsify or liquefy the fat tissues, respectively. 
• Once the fat deposits are broken, they are extracted through the vacuum device safely. 
• If fat tissues are left after liposuction, they will be excised directly through a scalpel. 
• The incision is usually left to heal on its own, and as it heals, the wound will disappear completely without leaving a visible scar. 

Recovery After Lipoma Treatment

Typically, a patient will need around 2 to 4 weeks to recover after lipoma treatment. The exact recovery duration will vary for each patient depending on the technique used and the individual’s healing abilities. 

Immediately after the surgery, the patient is kept under observation and discharged after a few hours when his/her vitals are stable and the effects of anesthesia wear off. During the first week, the patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site.

These side effects will start to dissipate gradually over the next weeks, and the patient will be able to resume normal activities.

The recovery will continue in the upcoming weeks, and the patient will have to follow specific instructions and take several precautions during this period. The common instructions the patient will have to follow are given below: 

• Keep the incision site dry and clean to prevent moisture build-up. 
• Avoid taking a shower, bathing in hot tubs, or swimming in pools. Submerging the wound in water can increase the risk of complications. 
• Change the bandages regularly as directed by the doctor. 
• Use ice packs to reduce the swelling and bruising in the treated area. 
• Eat a healthy diet full of nutrients that improve the body’s healing abilities. 
• Resume physical activities gradually and take proper rest. 
• Avoid engaging in strenuous activities, such as cycling, lifting weights, etc., until approved by the doctor. 
• Take regular follow-ups with the doctor so that he/she can monitor the recovery, adjust medications, and provide further instructions for a smooth and fast recovery. 

It’s important to follow these instructions for optimal recovery after lipoma removal.  

Lipoma Surgery Complications & Risks

There are several complications of lipoma excision surgery. It’s important for an individual to be aware of these potential risks and complications and follow the pre-op instructions given by the doctor to reduce the risks of the following complications: 

• Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection at the surgical site if the patient fails to keep the wound clean and dry. Signs of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the incision. 
• Bleeding: There are chances that the patient may lose a significant amount of blood during or after surgery. To prevent this, it’s made sure that the patient is not taking any blood thinning medications or supplements. 
• Hematoma: In some cases, there is a possibility that a hematoma (blood accumulation) forms around the incision site. It will require further intervention, and the doctor may need to drain the blood. 
• Seroma: Similar to a hematoma, a seroma (fluid accumulation) may also form in the treated area. The seroma may disappear on its own as the body absorbs the fluid, or it may require drainage. 
• Scarring: It is an unwanted outcome of surgery, which is normal. However, in some cases, the patients may experience significant scarring, which may not improve over time. 
• Nerve or Tissue Damage: While removing the lipoma, there is a small risk of damage to the nearby nerves, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. This may result in temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the treated area. 
• Anesthesia Complications: There are certain risks of anesthesia (general and IV sedation), which can lead to anaphylaxis, accidental awareness, respiratory issues, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Recurrence: Although lipoma removal aims to excise the lipoma completely, there is a chance of recurrence. In some cases, new lipomas may develop in the same or nearby areas. 

The surgeon will take the necessary steps to prevent these risks and complications of lipoma surgery from arising in the first place. If these complications arise, then he/she will suggest solutions accordingly. 

Lifestyle Changes After Lipoma Removal

After lipoma removal, most individuals do not require specific lifestyle changes. However, it’s always beneficial to maintain a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being. Here are some general lifestyle recommendations that can promote overall health and potentially minimize the risk of developing new lipomas:

• Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help support the patient’s overall health. A nutrient-rich diet can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of certain conditions associated with lipomas.
• Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and promote overall fitness. Exercise can also improve circulation, which may have positive effects on the body’s natural processes.
• Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated by consuming an adequate amount of water each day is important for overall health. Proper hydration supports various bodily functions and can contribute to healthy skin and tissue.
• Skin Care: Taking care of the skin is important after lipoma removal. Keep the surgical site clean and dry according to the doctor’s instructions. Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect the healing incision from harmful UV rays.
• Self-Examinations: Developing a habit of periodically checking the body for any new lumps or changes can help to identify any potential lipomas or other abnormalities early on. Promptly report any concerning findings to the doctor.
• Regular Check-ups: It’s important to continue with routine check-ups and follow-up appointments with the doctor. They can monitor the healing progress, address any concerns, and provide ongoing care as needed.

It’s important to remember that these lifestyle modifications will not necessarily prevent new lipomas from forming, but they can minimize certain risk factors.

It’ll be best to discuss the risk factors of lipomas with an expert and take the necessary measures as suggested. 

Lipoma Removal Cost in India

Lipoma removal cost in India ranges from Rs. to Rs. or more. The exact cost varies for each patient due to the following factors:

• The number, size, and location of the lipoma
• The surgeon’s fee 
• Diagnostic tests and evaluations 
• The recommended method of treatment 
• Hospital-related expenses 
• Medications prescribed before and after surgery 
• Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

All these factors can greatly impact lipoma surgery costs in India. An important thing to note is that cost should never be the deciding factor in choosing a doctor or hospital for lipoma treatment. The individual should prioritize the experience of the doctor and the quality of care provided at the hospital above everything. 

Lipoma Treatment Without Surgery

There are several proven and non-proven non-surgical methods for lipoma treatment. Some of these methods are quite effective in managing the condition itself and associated symptoms to some extent. However, the effectiveness of methods like ayurvedic medicines, lipoma removal sprays, ointments, etc., is not proven. 

Steroid Injections for Lipoma 

One of the effective methods to shrink lipomas is using steroid injections. It involves using corticosteroids that have anti-inflammatory properties. When the steroid is injected into a lipoma, it reduces inflammation and shrinks the size of the fatty tumor. They are more suitable for larger lipomas and less effective for smaller ones that are deep. 

Steroid injections for lipoma are administered in a clinical setting. The area is cleaned, and a local anesthestic is used to numb the injection site. Then, the steroid solution is directly injected using a syringe and needle.

This method will require multiple sessions to shrink a lipoma. The frequency and number of injections are determined by the characteristics of the lipoma and the patient’s response to the treatment. 

It should be noted that while steroid injections may be effective, they won’t eliminate the lipoma or prevent it from growing. 

Home Remedies for Lipoma 

There is no clinical evidence to support that home remedies for lipoma treatment actually work. Still, some common remedies are often suggested by ayurvedic doctors and natural healers.

An individual can try the following home remedies to remove lipoma naturally or at least manage some symptoms of this condition. 

• Use herbs and natural oils, such as flaxseed and neem, to create an ointment that can be applied to the lipomas directly. Neem oil acts as an astringent, protecting the skin, and flaxseed oil, with its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helps reduce inflammation caused by lipomas. 
• Combine chickweed with natural oil or tea base for fat reduction and apply it directly to the lipoma.
• Use turmeric in combination with neem oil or flaxseed oil to make an ointment that reduces inflammation. Cover the lump with the turmeric paste and protect it with a bandage.
• Mix dried sage with neem and flaxseed oil to create a balm-type mixture for coating the lipoma. Sage is known to dissolve fatty tissues and may be helpful in treating lipomas naturally. 

In many cases, people don’t realize whether these home remedies are working or not, as lipomas grow at a very gradual pace. But it’s important to talk to a doctor before trying these home remedies for lipomas, as their persistent use can cause side effects. 

Lipoma Removal Cream 

Many people seek help from doctors in the hopes that there may be some cream, ointment, or spray available that can help treat lipomas. There are several over-the-counter products that are not approved by the FDA but are still used. Some common lipoma removal creams available in the market are:

• The Nile Lipoma Cream (Herbal lipolysis)
• Shrirays Lipoma Removal Cream (Extra fat removal)
• Lyla Lipoma Removal Cream (Fat granules removal)
• Lara Kossler Lipoma Removal Cream (Lump fat removal)

All these creams claim that they are the best ointment for lipoma. However, there is no clinical evidence to support their claim or prove their effectiveness. 

Lipoma Removal Spray 

Recently, several lipoma removal sprays have also been released by various manufacturers, claiming that they will be helpful in lipoma removal. Some common lipoma removal sprays available are:

• Bejoy Lipoma Remover Spray 
• The Nile Lipoma Remover Spray 
• Kelyvon Lipoma Remover Spray 

These sprays claim to work on a concept of herbal lipolysis, which breaks down the fats and other lipids through hydrolysis to release fatty acids. This process is known to target the adipose or fatty tissues. However, similar to the lipoma removal creams, the effectiveness of these sprays is also inconclusive. Therefore, it’ll be best to consult an experienced doctor before using these non-approved products. 

Lipoma Medicine 

When it comes to lipoma treatment, there is no specific medicine or tablet that has been proven effective. However, there are various alternative or complementary approaches, such as ayurvedic medicine for lipoma or homeopathic medicine. These medicines are based on traditional Indian medicine practices that involve herbal formulations. 

The common ayurvedic medicine for lipomas in practice is- the Triphala remedy, which consists of Indian gooseberry, black myrobalan, and belleric myrobalan. It is believed that this compound has fat-reducing properties, which halt the overgrowth of the fat cells and address the fatty lumps. 

Some common homeopathic medicines for lipomas are:

• Calcera Carb, which exhibits abnormal growth dissolving properties and is used to reduce the size of the lipoma. 
• Baryta Carb shrinks the fatty lumps gradually with consistent use. 
• Phytolacca is another anti-fat remedy that reduces fatty tumors. 
• Uricum Acidum medicine can dissolve large lipomas. 
• Thuja is a general homeopathic medicine that dissipates fatty accumulations. 

It’s important to try these ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines with caution and after consulting a qualified specialized doctor. Besides this, there are no other lipoma treatment tablets or other non-surgical methods available that can remove, treat, or prevent the growth of these fatty lumps. 

Lipoma Prevention & Self-Care Tips

Lipoma cannot be treated by exercise, diet, medicine, etc., and may not be possible completely, but there are certain measures that can help to reduce the chances of developing lipomas. These measures include the following:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: There is some evidence suggesting a higher prevalence of lipomas in individuals who are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing lipomas.
• Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity and exercise to support overall health and prevent fat cells from growing in the first place. Physical activity also promotes circulation, which has positive effects on the body’s natural processes.
• Stress Management: While stress does not directly cause lipomas, some individuals find that stress can exacerbate certain health conditions and encourage irregular eating habits that are known to cause weight gain. Managing stress through techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or engaging in stress-reducing activities may contribute to overall well-being and reduce the chances of weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing fatty lumps. 

While some risk factors of lipomas can be managed, others are inherited and cannot be controlled with diet, exercise, or other lifestyle modifications. Since they are primarily caused due to genetic disorders, it may not be possible to prevent them.