Lipoma Treatment in Chattanooga, TN

What are Lipomas?

A lipoma is a lump of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. While generally harmless, these slow-growing masses can sometimes cause discomfort or aesthetic concern.

Our board-certified dermatologists are dedicated to providing the highest-quality dermatology care. Schedule a lipoma consultation in Chattanooga, TN today by calling (423) 206-2777.
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Who Gets Lipomas?

Lipomas appear most often between ages 40 and 60, but they can develop at any age. They can even be present at birth. Lipomas affect people of all genders, but they are slightly more common in women. In some cases, a family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of an individual developing these benign tumors.

How Do I Know It Is a Lipoma?

If a lump develops beneath the skin, whether painful or not, it should be examined by a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis.

Characteristics of lipomas include:

• Usually just under the skin
• Soft to touch
• Dough-like
• Usually shaped like a dome
• About 5cm or less
• Don’t usually cause any pain or other symptoms

Lipomas are usually found:

• On the back
• Trunk (torso)
• Arms
• Shoulders
• Neck

The majority of people with a lipoma only have one, although more than one lipoma can grow.

How are Lipomas Diagnosed?

Lipomas, while generally harmless, can pose aesthetic or discomfort concerns for individuals.

If you suspect a lipoma or are experiencing any changes in a known lipoma, it is advisable to consult with your provider at Uderm for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.

You can expect:

• Discussion of symptoms – how long has it been there, when did it appear, does it cause any discomfort?
• Physical exam – observation of the growth
• Possibility for a biopsy – a small sampling of tissue or skin cells are removed and sent to the lab to rule out cancer

How are Lipomas Treated?

Lipomas are made up of fatty tissue, not fluid, so they will not reduce in size on their own. They typically do not need to be removed for health purposes, but if the lump can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if it is bothersome.

You may get a lipoma removed if:

• Your lipoma is large, or is growing larger
• Your lipoma is causing symptoms, such as pain
• You want to have your lipoma removed

You usually need a small operation under local anesthetic to remove a lipoma that’s under the skin. You might have a very slight scar once the wound has healed. The removed lipoma should then be sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope.

The removal method for a lipoma will be determined by factors such as the location and size of the growth as well as the number of lipomas that exist.