Lipoma Removal in Boston


Helena O. Taylor MD, PHD, FACS & Stephen R. Sullivan MD, MPH, FACS

Named Among the Best Plastic Surgeons in Boston

What Are Lipomas?

Lipomas are slow growing fatty masses that are usually benign (not cancer) and grow larger over time. Rarely, they can be malignant (cancer) in the form of a liposarcoma. Lipomas may feel soft, smooth, and move with pressure. They can become painful as they grow and push on surrounding tissues and become deforming. Lipomas can grow on all parts of the body and sometimes a patient may have more than one.

When it comes to lipoma removal Boston plastic surgeons Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan are board certified and can gently and safely remove lipomas with the goals of reducing or eliminating symptoms, restoring normal contour or appearance, and establishing a diagnosis. Many patients may want lipomas removed for cosmetic reasons and do not need to use health insurance. We can provide an estimate of cost. The procedure is usually performed with just local anesthesia - the area is gently and carefully numbed with medicine and the patient feels no pain. Our Boston lipoma removal patients with larger lesions may benefit from sedation or anesthesia at the time of lesion removal.

The lipoma can then be removed through the smallest possible incision placed in a wrinkle or crease to minimize or hide the scar. For lesions on the scalp, unlike many other doctors, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan do NOT shave or remove hair. Removal is usually straightforward. The small wound can then be meticulously closed with stitches that are buried and dissolving, so stitch removal is not required. Lipoma removal patients recover quickly with little to no discomfort or interruption in their usual activities or work. The day of the procedure should be relaxing “like a day at the spa”.

Lipoma Removal Boston

Lipoma

This massive neck mass was a lipoma removed by Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan. Lipomas are usually removed when they are small. Without removal, they can grow quite large and surround or invade surrounding critical structures. This lipoma in the neck extended for more than 20 cm and wrapped around sensitive nerves, blood vessels and muscles, which required careful and meticulous removal in the operating room with general anesthesia. When small lipomas are removed, it is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Lipoma Removal At A Glance

WHAT LIPOMA REMOVAL DOES

  • Gentle removal
  • Smallest possible scar
  • Restores contour
  • Gives a diagnosis

DURATION OF RESULT

Years

LENGTH OF PROCEDURE

30-60 minutes

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

Local Anesthesia

RECOVERY

  • None

TIME OFF SCHOOL OR WORK

  • None

TIME OFF ACTIVITIES

  • None

Lipoma Removal Post Operative Instructions

  • Use medication as directed. Most commonly, pain control will be from the local anesthetic, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. You may experience some mild soreness as the local anesthetic wears off.
  • Dr. Taylor and Dr. Sullivan will make the smallest incision possible to remove your lipoma. Most wounds will be closed with absorbable sutures and Dermabond (skin glue). The skin glue forms a barrier to water. Over the skin glue you may have Steri-Strips (white or tan tape). Please do not remove the Steri-strips. Leave them in place until they fall off on their own. They may stay for a few weeks.
  • Unless otherwise instructed, you may shower the day of the lipoma removal. Please avoid bathing or soaking the wound in water.
  • Observe the wound for signs of infection such as redness pus or fevers. Please call your surgeon if signs of infection are noted.
  • Please call the Dr. Taylor or Dr. Sullivan if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Elevate the surgical site when possible. For facial surgery, consider sleeping with extra pillows. Elevation will help decrease discomfort and minimize swelling.
  • It is important to be seen by Dr. Taylor or Dr. Sullivan after your operation. Call to schedule your appointments at Taylor & Sullivan Plastic Surgery office at (617) 492-0620 between the hours of 8:30 – 5:00 or visit our webpage at www.massplasticsurgeons.com.

Call Today 617.492.0620

To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Taylor or Dr. Sullivan, please call the office or request an appointment using our form. We welcome your visit and your questions.

300 Mount Auburn St. Ste 304, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Taylor & Sullivan Plastic Surgery Boston
American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Board of Plastic Surgery Fellow American College of Surgeons America Association of Plastic Surgeons Sigill Massachusetts

617.492.0620

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300 Mount Auburn St. Ste 304, Cambridge