Lipomas

Lipoma Removal in Vancouver

Addressing non-threatening concerns on the body can be just as important as treating medical conditions. For many individuals, removing visible lumps such as lipomas can improve comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.

At Pacific Plastic Surgery Group, we offer safe and effective lipoma removal to restore a smoother, more even appearance of the skin.

What Are Lipomas?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that develops between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. Lipomas tend to grow slowly over time and are most commonly noticed in adulthood.

They are typically:

• Soft or “doughy” to the touch
• Mobile under the skin
• Painless in most cases

Lipomas can vary in size and are commonly found on the:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back
• Abdomen
• Arms
• Thighs

While lipomas are generally harmless, evaluation is recommended if a lump is growing quickly, becomes painful, or feels different from typical soft, mobile lipomas.

Before & After

Every patient’s journey is unique, and we are proud to showcase real transformations achieved through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques. Our before and after photos feature actual patients who have consented to share their results, highlighting the natural, individualized outcomes you can expect from our practice.

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Who Is a Candidate for Lipoma Removal?

You may be a good candidate for lipoma removal if:

• The lipoma is bothersome, uncomfortable, or painful
• It is increasing in size or changing in appearance
• You are concerned about the cosmetic appearance
• You would like a definitive diagnosis or removal

Ideal candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure and healing process.

Lipoma Removal Procedure

Lipomas are most commonly removed using a surgical excision technique performed in-office under local anesthesia.

During the procedure:

• The area is cleansed and numbed
• A small incision is made over the lipoma
• The fatty mass is carefully separated from surrounding tissue
• The lipoma is removed in its entirety
• The incision is closed with fine sutures

This technique allows for complete removal and helps minimize the chance of recurrence.

Areas That Can Be Treated

Lipomas can be safely removed from many areas of the body, including:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back
• Chest and abdomen
• Arms
• Thighs

The exact approach depends on the size, depth, and location of the lipoma.

What to Expect During Treatment

Lipoma removal is typically performed in a clinic setting and does not require general anesthesia.

The procedure is relatively quick, and most patients experience minimal discomfort due to the use of local anesthesia. You can return home shortly after the treatment.

What to Expect After Treatment

After the procedure, it is normal to experience:

• Mild soreness or tenderness
• Swelling or bruising around the area

These symptoms usually improve over a few days.

Patients are advised to:

• Avoid strenuous activity for about 1 week
• Keep the area clean and dry as instructed
• Return for follow-up in 5–10 days for suture removal (if applicable)

A small scar is expected, but it typically fades over time and continues to improve over several months.

Recovery and Results

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, with full healing occurring over several weeks.

Lipomas that are completely removed typically do not recur in the same location. However, since lipomas can be influenced by genetics, new lipomas may develop in other areas over time.