The exact cause of lipomas is unknown at this time. However, if you have lipomas, it is likely that the condition may also run in your family as there is often a genetic predisposition to this condition. Other factors that can contribute to their formation include recent injury or trauma, age (adults ages 40-60 years old), obesity, and certain genetic or medical disorders.

Lipomas

Q: What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

Lipomas are usually painless, soft and “doughy” to the touch, and can move slightly with a bit of pressure. However, they can become tender or painful depending on where on your body they develop, especially if they grow and press on a nerve.

Q: Are lipomas cancerous?

No, lipomas are not cancerous. They are benign (non-cancerous) tumors/overgrowths of fat cells.

Q: How are lipomas diagnosed?

Our board-certified dermatologists at Arlington Dermatology can diagnose lipomas through a physical examination of the lesion’s texture, movement, and size. If there is any uncertainty, additional diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan, and biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: Do lipomas require treatment?

Although lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) and typically asymptomatic, it is advisable to see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate a potential lipoma to confirm the diagnosis and ensure it is not a more serious issue. Once a diagnosis is made, not all lipomas require treatment. However, in some cases, lipomas can become painful or uncomfortable, continue to grow, affect muscle movement due to their location, or be cosmetically unappealing. In these cases, a board-certified dermatologist at Arlington Dermatology can diagnose and surgically remove a lipoma if desired.

Q: Can lipomas come back after removal?

Yes, lipomas can come back after removal; however, it is uncommon. If a lipoma is completely excised, including its capsule, it usually does not grow back. However, in some cases, a lipoma may recur in the same area or nearby. Reasons for recurrence include an incomplete removal, a genetic predisposition to developing lipomas, or medical conditions that are associated with developing multiple lipomas.

Q: How are lipomas treated?

Lipomas are typically surgically removed through a surgical excision with a small incision.

Q: Are there any non-surgical treatments for lipomas?

The most common treatment option for lipomas is surgical removal. However, there are some non-surgical treatment options, such as liposuction, although their success varies. The only treatment that can entirely remove a lipoma, including the lipoma capsule, is surgical excision.

Q: Where can lipomas develop?

Lipomas can develop virtually anywhere on the body; however, they are commonly found just under the skin in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or abdomen.

Home | Conditions | Benign Skin Growths | Lipomas

If you have a soft, fatty lump under your skin, you may be dealing with a lipoma. Lipomas are usually painless and can move slightly with a bit of pressure. While lipomas are benign growths, they can become tender or painful depending on where on your body they develop, especially if they grow and press on a nerve. Or, you may simply want to remove a lipoma because you do not like how it looks and cannot hide it easily. Whatever the case, a board-certified dermatologist at Arlington Dermatology can diagnose and remove a lipoma if desired.

What Causes Lipomas?

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown at this time. However, if you have lipomas, it is likely that the condition may also run in your family as there is often is a genetic predisposition to this condition.

Lipomas are typically small at around two inches or less in diameter, but rarely they can grow to be much larger. Lipomas are typically found just under the skin in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or abdomen, but can be located virtually anywhere on the body. A lipoma is usually soft to the touch and may feel “doughy,” but you may also feel some pain or tenderness with palpation, especially if the lipoma grows.

Who Gets Lipomas?

It is possible for nearly any person at any age to develop a lipoma. Below are a few risk factors:

Family history of lipomas
Between the ages of 40-60
Recent injury
Obesity
Certain genetic or medical disorders

How Can I Prevent Lipomas?

Because obesity puts you at a higher risk for developing a lipoma, you can, in some cases, prevent them by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly in order to maintain a healthy and stable weight. However, lipomas due to other causes are not generally preventable.

Why Treat Lipomas?

It is advisable to see a dermatologist and evaluate a potential lipoma to ensure it is not a more serious issue. Once a diagnosis has been made, not all lipomas will require treatment. However, a lipoma can be painful, continue to grow without treatment, or bother you for another reason. In some cases, a lipoma may press on a nerve, which can cause pain or discomfort. The lipoma may also be cosmetically unappealing or affect your muscle movement. In these cases, you should seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

How Can I Treat Lipomas?

Lipomas are typically removed by a dermatologist through surgical excision with a small incision.

I’ve had probably 10 dermatologists in my life but none compare to Dr. Livingood and his team. They take the time to walk you through your options and their recommendations, leaving you feeling confident and autonomous of your own healthcare management. I also really appreciate how conscious they are of cost. Dr. Livingood connected me with a local delivery pharmacy that is cheaper than CVS or Walgreens. They aren’t pushy of products or services which is a first for any dermatologist I’ve been to. I know I’m in good hands by being a patient at their practice.

Paige

Lipoma FAQs

What causes lipomas?

What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

Are lipomas cancerous?

Who is at risk of developing lipomas?

How are lipomas diagnosed?

Do lipomas require treatment?

Can lipomas come back after removal?

How are lipomas treated?

Are there any non-surgical treatments for lipomas?

Where can lipomas develop?

See All

Schedule an Appointment

If you have a growth below your skin that you believe is a lipoma, a board-certified dermatologist can help to safely remove the mass. To schedule an appointment at Arlington Dermatology, please call our office or request an appointment online.