Are you noticing a soft, movable lump beneath your skin? It could be a lipoma – a common benign fatty tumor that many people develop as they age. While lipomas are usually harmless, they can grow larger over time, become painful, or create cosmetic concerns. At our plastic surgery practice in Trumbull, CT, we specialize in lipoma removal with minimal scarring, helping patients from Fairfield, Bridgeport, Shelton, Monroe, Stratford, Milford, Westport, Norwalk, and surrounding towns get the results they need.
In this blog, we’ll answer the most common patient questions about lipomas and explain your treatment options with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump located under the skin. These soft masses are composed of fat cells and are typically:
- Soft and rubbery to the touch
- Moveable under the skin
- Painless (though some can be tender or painful)
- Typically under 2 inches in diameter, but may grow larger over time
Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous), and while they can develop anywhere on the body, the most common areas for lipoma removal include:
- Back (upper and lower)
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Forehead or scalp
Do Lipomas Need to Be Removed?
Not all lipomas require removal. However, patients often choose to have them surgically removed for one or more of the following reasons:
- The lipoma is growing
- It causes pain or tenderness
- It interferes with movement or function
- It’s located in a visible or cosmetically sensitive area
- There is concern about possible malignancy (rare but possible)
If you’re unsure whether your lump is a lipoma or something else, an in-person consultation and, if needed, imaging or a biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis.
How Is a Lipoma Removed?
At our Trumbull plastic surgery office, lipoma removal is typically performed as a minor outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Evaluation and Imaging (if needed)
We examine the lump to determine if it’s consistent with a lipoma. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended for deeper or larger masses.
Step 2: Anesthesia
The area is numbed so you feel no pain during the procedure.
Step 3: Surgical Excision
A small incision is made over the lipoma, and the fatty mass is carefully removed in one piece. We take special care to minimize scarring, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, arms, or scalp.
Step 4: Sutures and Recovery
The incision is closed with sutures, and patients can typically return to normal activities within a day or two, with restrictions on strenuous activity for about a week.
Will There Be a Scar?
Because lipomas are removed through a small incision, scarring is usually minimal, especially when performed by a plastic surgeon who uses meticulous surgical techniques. If the lipoma is located on a visible part of the body, such as the face or arms, we take extra care to hide the incision in natural skin creases or hair-bearing areas when possible.
How Much Does Lipoma Removal Cost in Connecticut?
In most cases, our office can obtain approval from your health insurance to cover lipoma removal, especially if it’s causing symptoms, interfering with function, or has features that raise concern. We will help determine whether your procedure qualifies for insurance coverage.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Lipoma Removal?
While general surgeons and dermatologists may perform lipoma excisions, a board-certified plastic surgeon offers:
- Expertise in minimizing scars
- Precision in removal of deep or complex lipomas
- Experience with lipomas in delicate or visible areas like the forehead, scalp, or neck
- Aesthetic closure techniques for a better cosmetic outcome
Patients from Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Shelton, Monroe, Westport, Norwalk, and Milford, CT choose our practice because we combine medical skill with an artistic eye to deliver outstanding surgical and cosmetic results.
How Long Is Recovery After Lipoma Surgery?
Most patients experience a quick and easy recovery. Here’s a general timeline:
- Day 1: Return home the same day; mild soreness or bruising
- Day 2–3: Resume non-strenuous work and daily activities
- Week 1: Stitches may be removed if not dissolvable
- Week 2–3: Most swelling and bruising resolve
- Week 6–12: Scar continues to fade over time
You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery.
What If I Have Multiple Lipomas?
Many patients develop more than one lipoma, especially if they have a genetic condition like familial multiple lipomatosis. We can evaluate and remove multiple lipomas in one visit, depending on their size and location. Each removal is done with care to minimize cumulative scarring and ensure a balanced cosmetic result.
Is Lipoma Removal Safe?
Yes, lipoma removal is a very safe and low-risk procedure, particularly when done in a sterile setting by an experienced plastic surgeon. Risks are rare but may include:
- Minor bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Scar formation
- Recurrence (rare if completely excised)
We take every precaution to reduce your risk and optimize your outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipomas
Is a lipoma cancerous?
No. Lipomas are benign fatty tumors. However, rare types of fatty tumors, like liposarcomas, can be cancerous, which is why evaluation is important if the lump is growing or firm.
Can a lipoma grow back after removal?
If completely removed, recurrence is rare. However, if a portion is left behind, it can regrow over time.
Can lipomas be removed without surgery?
Non-surgical treatments like steroid injections may shrink very small lipomas, but surgical removal is the only definitive treatment that ensures complete removal and prevents regrowth.
Will insurance cover lipoma removal?
In many cases, yes, especially if the lipoma is symptomatic or enlarging. We can assist with insurance authorization and provide documentation for coverage.
Lipoma Removal Near Me – Serving Trumbull and Surrounding Towns in Connecticut
If you’re searching for lipoma removal in Trumbull, CT, or nearby towns like:
- Fairfield
- Bridgeport
- Monroe
- Shelton
- Milford
- Stratford
- Westport
- Norwalk
- Easton
- Newtown
…our board-certified plastic surgery office offers expert diagnosis and precise removal with excellent cosmetic results. Whether your concern is medical or aesthetic, we’re here to help.
Schedule a Consultation for Lipoma Removal in Connecticut
If you have a lump or bump that may be a lipoma, don’t wait. Our team provides expert, scar-conscious lipoma removal with personalized care and same-week availability. Call us today to schedule your consultation and get peace of mind—plus a better cosmetic outcome.
Call 203-374-0310 or Request a Consultation Online Today
