Lipoma
A lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue that slowly develops under your skin. Common locations include upper back, shoulders, and abdomen. A lipoma can be described as a rubbery bulge that feels like it can move. Lipomas tend to grow slowly, often over a period of months or years. In less common cases, they may also form in internal organs, bones, or muscles. People of any age can develop a lipoma, but children rarely develop them.
Signs and symptoms of Lipoma may include
- Lipoma usually appear as small, soft lumps. They're typically less than 2 inches wide.
- It's usually painless unless they affect joints, organs, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Lipoma is only painful if it compresses nerves underneath the skin.
- Can move slightly if pressed with a finger.
Types of lipomas
- Angiolipoma - This type contains fat and blood vessels. Angiolipomas are often painful.
- Conventional - The most common type, a conventional lipoma contains white fat cells. White fat cells store energy.
- Fibrolipoma - Fat and fibrous tissue make up this type of lipoma.
- Hibernoma - This kind of lipoma contains brown fat. Most other lipomas contain white fat. Brown fat cells generate heat and help regulate body temperature.
- Myelolipoma - These lipomas contain fat and tissues that produce blood cells.
- Spindle cell - The fat cells in these lipomas are longer.
- Pleomorphic - These lipomas have fat cells of various sizes and shapes.
Preparing For Your Lipoma Surgery
Please shower and wash with an antibacterial soap before your surgery. If you are having sedation, you need to come in with an empty stomach, which means nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours or more. It is important to tell your doctor what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
Post Operative Activities
- You can put ice on the scalp area over the dressing tonight.
- You may have pain, swelling, or bruising where the lipoma was removed. These symptoms should get better in a few days.
- You can expect some local swelling and a lumpy feeling under the incision. This is normal.