LIPOMA REMOVAL AND LIPOMA SURGERY IN LOS ANGELES, DR. KARAMANOUKIAN
A lipoma is formed by a benign, non-cancerous accumulation of adipocytes (fat cells) underneath the skin. The lipoma usually grows in size over the course of several years, but may begin to double in size at a faster rate as it gets larger and larger. To most people, lipomas are a minor inconvenience, but to others, it represents a nuisance and becomes symptomatic, with a generalized symptom of pain or discomfort.
In rare cases, a lipoma begins to grow around or near a sensory nerve, causing pain and continuous discomfort. The lipomatous growth can completely encase a nerve in rare occasions, making surgical excision difficult with a higher risk of permanent sensory debility.
Most lipomas can be removed by a surgical incision and meticulous dissection of the lipomatous growth. The procedures are performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, but more complicated lipomas that are deep or that have a calcified rim may require a more invasive procedure and deeper anesthesia techniques, including intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Recurrent lipomas are rare, but are known to occur as a result of inadequate dissection or an unknown cause. Recurrent lipomas are more difficult to treat as a result of scar tissue that forms around the mass. Scar tissue may obscure the surgical planes and make the surgical dissection of the edges more difficult and cumbersome.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LIPOMAS, FIND A LIPOMA DOCTOR LOS ANGELES
What is a lipoma? A lipoma is a fatty tumor that occurs underneath the skin. It can be an isolated nodule, or more rarely, occur as a result of diffuse lipomatosis in which multiple lipomas arise on the body during one's lifetime.
Does Dr. Karamanoukian treat lipomas with surgery? Yes. Surgery is one of many options to treat lipomas. Most do not require surgery unless the lipoma becomes symptomatic or if there is a cosmetic reason to remove the lipoma. Dr. Karamanoukian treats lipomas with surgery if that is necessary, based on physical examination and medical history.
How many lipomas can be removed at once? This all depends on the size of the lipomas, the location of the lipomas, and whether they are recurrent or new. Scar tissue may make re-excision of a lipoma difficult.
Are lipomas dangerous? No. Lipomas are non-cancerous growths of fat cells and it is rare for them to turn into cancer, although this is a distinct but rare possibility.
If I live out of town, can I come to Los Angeles to have my lipoma removed? Yes. We have many patients who fly in from out of town to have lipomas removed.
Is lipoma surgery dangerous? No. Dr. Karamanoukian will take precautions to maximize your safety during lipoma surgery. The procedure is usually done in an outpatient surgical center or clinic procedure room.
Do I need general anesthesia for lipoma surgery? No. This is rarely the case. Lipoma surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Can I go home after lipoma surgery? Yes. Lipoma surgery is an outpatient surgery and does not require hospital admission.
Are lipomas cancerous? No. They are benign. There are variants of lipomas that are cancerous under the microscope.
How do I know if I have a lipoma or a cyst? Sometimes it is difficult to tell until surgery is performed. If it is a critical factor in your care, Dr. Karamanoukian may order an ultrasound or MRI to determine the likelihood that the lesion is a cyst and not a true lipoma.
Is it possible to have multiple lipomas? Yes. This is a common condition that likely has a genetic predisposition. Patients can have other family members that have had multiple lipomas. The condition is known as lipomatosis, and can be treated with surgical excision of the symptomatic lipomas.
Is a lipoma likely to grow larger? Yes. Lipomas will grow larger with time. They have a propensity to grow in size and will not likely resolve on their own.
Where is Dr. Karamanoukian's office? We are located in Santa Monica, directly adjacent to the St. John's Hospital on 20th and Arizona. The office is located in the St. John's Hospital Medical Plaza.
Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Clinic is a dedicated plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology office dedicated to serving the Los Angeles area. Our two offices provide comprehensive plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and cosmetic dermatology treatments in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Malibu, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Northridge, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, and Glendale areas.
Our office provides surgical expertise in the management of lipomas, glomus tumors, and other subcutaneous growths. Dr. Karamanoukian is a board certified plastic surgeon and has dedicated his practice to cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Schedule an appointment for lipoma removal in Los Angeles by calling our office at (310) 998-5533.