Lipoma Removal Surgery in Los Angeles
A lipoma is a benign non-cancerous fatty tumor that develops underneath the skin on the face or body. These fatty tumors usually arise a small tiny growths underneath the skin without pain or discomfort. As they become larger, they become more visible and uncomfortable with activity. Removing lipomas involves a simple minor surgical procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting in our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic.
Choosing Dr. Karamanoukian for your lipoma removal, begins with a consultation in which he examines the fatty tumors underneath the skin and determines whether they are appropriate for surgical excision. If you are a candidate for minor surgery, the procedure will likely be performed under local anesthesia.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons believe that the cause of lipoma formation is likely skin trauma or familial genetics. We often see lipomas at previous surgical sites or along joints on the extremity. Most patients will not have any symptoms associated with lipomas, but some will feel discomfort and tingling along the area. On examination, lipomas can be easily palpated and appear to move underneath the skin. If you have pain and discomfort associated with a lipoma, these may be signs that are indicative of a angiolipoma which involves blood vessels as well as a fatty tumor.
Most lipomas are not harmful and are non-cancerous. While these fatty tumors are benign, the ease of the minor surgical procedure to remove lipomas make the decision for surgical excision easier. Depending on your specific needs, a small incision is made on the skin and the lipoma is extracted from the incision site. Small stitches are placed to repair the wound and patients recover quickly after their procedure.
Lipoma Removal FAQ
Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Clinic is a dedicated plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology office dedicated to serving the Los Angeles area. Our two offices provide comprehensive plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology treatments in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Malibu, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Northridge, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, and Glendale areas.
Q: What is a lipoma?
A: A lipoma is a fatty tumor that occurs underneath the skin. It can be an isolated nodule, or more rarely, occur as a result of diffuse lipomatosis in which multiple lipomas arise on the body during one's lifetime.
Q: Does Dr. Karamanoukian treat lipomas with surgery?
A: Surgery is one of many options available to treat lipomas. Most do not require surgery unless a lipoma becomes symptomatic or if there is a cosmetic reason to remove the lipoma. Dr. Karamanoukian treats lipomas with surgery if that is necessary, based on physical examination and medical history. Your examination will begin with palpation of the subcutaneous mass to note its dimension, location, depth within the tissue, and adherence to underlying tissue. If a lipoma is capable of being removed, Dr. Karamanoukian will provide you with options for surgical removal.
Q: How many lipomas can be removed at once?
A: This all depends on the size of the lipomas, the location of the lipomas, and whether they are recurrent or new. Scar tissue may make re-excision of a lipoma difficult. Dr. Karamanoukian will carefully examine your lipomas and help you determine how many can be removed in one setting, if that is possible. Care is taken by the staff of Kare Plastic Surgery to ensure that your procedure is done safely and with minimal risk. Removal of multiple lipomas is generally an accepted treatment and a consultation will help you decide the plan of care.
Q: Are lipomas dangerous if they are not removed?
A: By definition, lipomas are non-cancerous growths of fat cells and it is rare for them to turn into cancer, although this is a distinct but rare possibility. There are variants of lipomas that can be cancerous and this is one of the reasons why Dr. Karamanoukian will recommend that the specimen be sent to pathology for examination to rule out any problems. It is always wise to consult with an expert if you are having any type of abnormal growth underneath your skin.
Q: Do you accept out-of-town patients?
A: We have many patients who fly in from out-of-town to have lipomas removed. Our office will be able to accomodate your request for surgery based on an online examination and submission of photographs. Arrangements can be made with the surgical staff and an examination will be arranged upon your arrival. Dr. Karamanoukian will maintain the highest standards of surgical care in order to assure that your procedure is completed to your satisfaction.
Q: Is lipoma surgery dangerous?
A: Dr. Karamanoukian will take precautions to maximize your safety during lipoma surgery. The procedure is usually done in an outpatient surgical center or clinic procedure room. Lipoma surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia or twighlight sedation.
Q: How do I know if I have a lipoma or a cyst?
A: Sometimes it is difficult to tell until surgery is performed. If it is a critical factor in your care, Dr. Karamanoukian may order an ultrasound or MRI to determine the likelihood that the lesion is a cyst and not a true lipoma.
Q: Is it possible to have multiple lipomas?
A: Patients can have other family members that have had multiple lipomas. The condition is known as lipomatosis, and can be treated with surgical excision of the symptomatic lipomas.
Q: Is a lipoma likely to grow larger with time?
A: Lipomas will grow larger with time. They have a propensity to grow in size and will not likely resolve on their own. Lipomas have been shown to grow with an irregular and unpredictable pattern of growth. If you have multiple lipomas, it is not uncommon for some of your lipomas to grow at a faster rate than others.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur more commonly in subgroups of the population. Most lipomas are benign and cause minimal discomfort or pain. Our dedicated surgeons treat lipomas using minimal-incision techniques. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Los Angeles. Having undergone extensive training in both general and plastic/reconstructive surgery, Dr. Karamanoukian maximizes surgical precision and artistic talent to provide patients with the highest level of safety and efficacy in lipoma removal. Schedule a consultation today by calling our office.