Lipoma Treatment & Lipoma Removal

Lipoma Treatment & Lipoma Removal (Fatty Lump Removal)

Fatty lumps, medically known as lipomas, are very common. They may develop almost anywhere on the body, although they are extremely rare on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

A lipoma is a small, soft, tumor-like lump filled with fatty tissue. Most lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) and do not cause pain; however, they may be cosmetically disturbing-especially when they appear on visible areas such as the face, forehead, eyelids, or cheeks. In such cases, many patients choose lipoma removal for aesthetic comfort and self-confidence.

Lipomas are often visible to the naked eye and typically look whitish or yellowish. Because they form under the skin, they can usually be felt easily with the fingertips. Lipomas are uncommon in children and are more frequently observed in adulthood. When a lipoma develops on the face or around the eyes, it may become particularly bothersome due to its visibility, and treatment options can be considered.

Is It Safe to Squeeze a Lipoma?

Although lipomas are generally harmless, squeezing or puncturing a lipoma is not safe. Some people try to press or drain the lump using needles or sharp objects. This should never be attempted because it increases the risk of:

• Infection
• Permanent scarring
• Spreading of fatty tissue under the skin

Unlike acne, lipomas do not have an opening to the skin surface. If squeezed, the fatty tissue may disperse under the skin and create an even wider irregular swelling. For safe, effective results, lipomas should only be treated using medical procedures performed by a qualified physician.

Where Can Lipomas Develop on the Body?

Lipomas can occur almost anywhere because they arise from fatty tissue cells. They are most frequently seen on:

• Face
• Shoulders
• Back
• Neck
• Genital area
• Scalp
• Arms and legs

Lipomas typically feel soft and movable. When pressed gently, they often feel as though they "slide" under the skin because they are not fixed deeply into the tissue.

It is also worth noting that lumps on the scalp are often sebaceous cysts, which may look similar to lipomas and are commonly confused with them.

Do Lipomas Cause Pain?

Most lipomas do not cause pain. If a lump is painful, grows rapidly, or feels unusually firm, it is important to seek medical evaluation to rule out other conditions.

In some cases, fatty tissue may enlarge significantly over time, leading to large lumps that become visually disturbing. Large lipomas are often removed surgically for comfort and aesthetic reasons.,

What Causes a Lipoma?

The exact cause of lipomas is not always clear. However, research suggests certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing fatty lumps. These include:

• Genetic predisposition (family history)
• Trauma or injury to the affected area
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• Certain metabolic disorders
• Poor dietary habits
• Increasing age
• Some liver-related conditions
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Conditions related to insulin resistance

Types of Fatty Lumps

Many patients assume all fatty lumps are the same, but they can be classified into different categories, including:

1) Sebaceous Cysts (Oil Cysts)

These are most commonly found on the scalp. They usually have a more fluid-like structure compared to lipomas and may be covered by a thin skin layer.

2) Benign Fat Tissue Tumors (Lipomas)

These are commonly seen on the neck or back, but can develop elsewhere as well. They may feel slightly firmer than cysts and usually appear whitish or yellowish. Large benign lipomas may be removed surgically.

3) Malignant Fat Tissue Tumors (Liposarcoma)

Rarely, fatty tissue tumors may become cancerous. These are called liposarcomas. They may have different internal characteristics and are medically significant. Because liposarcomas are rare but serious, suspicious lumps should always be evaluated by a physician.

Under-Eye Fatty Deposits (Eyelid/Under-Eye Lumps)

Fatty lumps under the eyes are usually smaller than lipomas elsewhere, but they often appear in multiples. They can be categorized into:

Xanthelasma

Often associated with high cholesterol, appearing as a thin plaque-like lesion.

Syringoma

Characterized by a round, small lump-like appearance.

Milia

Smaller than syringomas and usually more subtle in appearance.

How Is a Lipoma Diagnosed?

In many cases, lipomas can be recognized through a simple physical examination. They typically have a rounded shape and often include a small raised point at the center.

A classic feature is mobility: many lipomas shift slightly under the skin when pressed. If a lump feels fixed, unusually hard, or irregular, additional evaluation may be needed.

Lipomas are generally soft and may slightly change shape when pressed. If the physician has any concerns, ultrasound imaging can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Common Symptoms of a Lipoma

The main symptom is a noticeable swelling or lump in the affected area. Lipomas may grow slowly over time, though they can sometimes appear more quickly.

• Facial lipomas are often very small (sometimes pinhead-sized).
• Lipomas on the back or neck are often larger and may feel deeper.
• Under-eye or eyelid lumps may appear more visible because the skin in this area is thinner, making the fatty tissue easier to notice.

When patients ask "How can a lipoma (fatty lump) be removed?", the most effective answer is usually minor surgical removal (lipoma excision). However, not every lipoma necessarily needs to be removed. In many cases, fatty lumps are harmless and can simply be monitored.

That said, lipomas may be removed when they are:

• cosmetically bothersome (especially on visible areas such as the face), or
• located in a position that interferes with daily function.

For example, lipomas around the eye area or near finger joints may create discomfort in everyday life and may affect movement or appearance. In these cases, surgical removal under local anaesthesia becomes the preferred option.

Here is what you should know about the procedure:

• Lipoma removal is typically performed under local anaesthesia.
• Only the area where the incision will be made is numbed, allowing the procedure to be completed comfortably for the patient.
• The procedure is usually quick-many lipomas can be removed within minutes.
• The size of the skin incision depends on the size and depth of the lipoma. For example, a lipoma measuring around 4 cm may often be removed through an incision of approximately 1-1.5 cm.
• The lipoma is removed through the incision and safely excised from the surrounding tissue.
• After the lump is removed, the area is closed with surgical stitches, completing the treatment.
• More than one lipoma can be removed during the same session, if needed.
• Patients usually do not require separate procedures for each fatty lump.

For patients seeking lipoma treatment in Turkey, especially those looking for care near Istanbul, Tekirdağ can be a practical option thanks to its close proximity and easy access.

After the Procedure 

First of all, it is important to note that lipoma removal (fatty lump excision) is generally a minor procedure and patients usually do not experience a difficult or uncomfortable recovery period. For individuals who want to get rid of fatty lumps through a simple surgical approach, this treatment can be an effective and practical option.

Here are the key points to know about the post-operative period:

• Since the procedure is completed in a short time, there is no need to allocate a long period for surgery or recovery.
• This intervention usually does not require clinical observation or prolonged rest at home.
• Patients are typically discharged shortly after the procedure and can return home the same day.
• Returning to work and daily routines is generally possible, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Because the operation is performed under local anaesthesia, common side effects of general anaesthesia such as nausea, vomiting, or headaches are not expected.
• During healing, the most important point is to keep the incision site clean and hygienic.
• Your doctor may prescribe medications to support recovery after surgery.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection when necessary.
• In most cases, the procedure is not painful, and many patients do not need painkillers after the operation.
• Healing time may vary from person to person. In general, tissue recovery takes only a few days, although in some patients the skin may take up to a week to fully heal.

If you are experiencing discomfort due to a fatty lump or feel bothered by its appearance, you can request an appointment for lipoma removal in Tekirdağ, Turkey, a location that is also a convenient option for patients searching for treatment near Istanbul. For more information or to ask your questions, you can contact our clinic.