Lipomas are the most common noncancerous soft tissue tumors, affecting approximately 1% of the population with an incidence of 2.1 per 1,000 individuals per year. These benign fatty growths develop just beneath the skin and, while typically harmless, can become bothersome due to size, location, or cosmetic concerns. Dr. Zitelli provides comprehensive lipoma evaluation and removal throughout Cincinnati, offering both surgical excision and minimally invasive techniques to safely and effectively remove these fatty tumors with optimal cosmetic results.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Understanding Different Types of Lipomas
Lipomas present in various forms and locations requiring individualized assessment and removal approaches based on size, depth, and anatomical considerations.
Subcutaneous Lipomas
Most common type occurring just beneath the skin surface, typically soft and moveable, easily diagnosed and removed through standard surgical techniques
Intramuscular Lipomas
Deeper growths located within muscle tissue requiring more complex surgical approach and careful dissection to avoid damage to surrounding structures
Multiple Lipomatosis
Condition involving numerous lipomas throughout the body, more common in men, often requiring staged removal procedures for optimal cosmetic outcomes
Giant Lipomas
Large fatty tumors exceeding 10 cm in diameter necessitating specialized removal techniques and potentially requiring general anesthesia for safe excision
Dr. Zitelli’s Comprehensive Lipoma Assessment
Effective lipoma management requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate removal planning to achieve optimal results while minimizing complications and scarring.
“Most lipomas can be safely removed in our office using local anesthesia with excellent cosmetic results. The key is proper evaluation to distinguish lipomas from other growths and selecting the most appropriate removal technique,” explains Dr. Zitelli.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
Lipoma diagnosis typically relies on physical examination of characteristic soft, moveable masses. Dr. Zitelli may recommend imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI for deeper lesions or when diagnosis is uncertain to rule out liposarcoma.
Surgical Planning and Technique Selection
Comprehensive lipoma removal planning considers tumor size, location, patient preferences, and cosmetic expectations. Dr. Zitelli selects optimal surgical approaches to minimize scarring while ensuring complete removal and preventing recurrence.
Evidence-Based Lipoma Removal Techniques
Modern lipoma removal offers multiple surgical approaches tailored to tumor characteristics and patient needs for optimal outcomes.
Specialized Lipoma Removal Considerations
Certain lipoma locations and characteristics require modified removal approaches to achieve optimal results while minimizing complications and preserving function.
Large and Deep Lipoma Management
Giant lipomas and those located in deeper tissue planes may require specialized surgical planning, including general anesthesia, extended incisions, and careful dissection to ensure complete removal without damage to vital structures.
Cosmetically Sensitive Area Removal
Lipomas in visible areas such as face, neck, or forearms require meticulous surgical technique with attention to incision placement, tissue handling, and closure methods to achieve optimal cosmetic results.
Recovery and Post-Removal Care
Successful lipoma removal requires appropriate post-operative care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.
Most patients can return home the same day following lipoma removal, with minimal activity restrictions. Proper wound care, monitoring for signs of infection, and gradual return to normal activities promote optimal healing and cosmetic outcomes.
Recurrence Prevention and Follow-up
Complete lipoma removal with intact capsule excision provides the best prevention against recurrence, though new lipomas may develop in other locations.
Regular follow-up appointments allow for wound assessment, scar management, and monitoring for new lipoma development. Patients with multiple lipomatosis may require ongoing surveillance and potential additional removal procedures over time.
Distinguishing Lipomas from Liposarcomas
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguish benign lipomas from malignant liposarcomas, particularly for larger, deeper, or rapidly growing masses.
While most soft tissue masses are benign lipomas, any concerning features such as rapid growth, pain, or fixation to underlying structures warrant immediate evaluation and potential biopsy to rule out malignancy before removal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipoma Removal
Most lipoma removals are performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort during the procedure, and post-operative pain is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter medications.
Complete surgical excision with intact capsule removal results in very low recurrence rates (1-2%), though new lipomas may develop in other locations.
Most lipoma removals can be completed in 15-30 minutes depending on size and location, with patients able to return home the same day.
Surgical technique and incision placement are optimized to minimize scarring, with most patients achieving excellent cosmetic results that improve over time.
Consider removal if the lipoma is growing, causing pain or discomfort, interfering with activities, or creating cosmetic concerns that affect quality of life.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Serving Cincinnati, Ohio
Dr. Kristine Zitelli is a board-certified dermatologist serving the Cincinnati area, known for her expertise in treating a wide range of skin conditions. She completed her medical degree at Wright State University and dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, with additional advanced training at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. Her clinical focus includes thorough skin examinations, psoriasis, eczema, complex medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic treatments using the latest technologies.
Dr. Zitelli has been named a “Top Doctor” in Cincinnati every year since 2016 as well as Cincinnati’s Top Dermatologist in 2020. She remains dedicated to educating the community about skin health and sun safety. Combining academic excellence, clinical research, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Zitelli delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every patient.
Professional Lipoma Removal in Cincinnati
Don’t let bothersome lipomas affect your comfort and confidence. Dr. Zitelli’s comprehensive approach to lipoma removal combines skilled surgical technique with cosmetic expertise, helping patients in Cincinnati and Montgomery achieve complete tumor removal with optimal aesthetic results. Schedule your lipoma evaluation today to discuss personalized removal options tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
