Lipoma Removal in Pune: Taking Out a Fatty Lump Through a Small Cut

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a lump of ordinary fat cells wrapped in a thin capsule, lying just under the skin. It feels soft and doughy, slides a little when you press it, and usually does not hurt. Lipomas grow slowly over months or years and are among the most common lumps doctors see. They appear most often on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, thighs and forehead.

A lipoma is benign. It does not spread, and an ordinary lipoma is not thought to turn into cancer. Removal is chosen for comfort, appearance or to confirm what the lump is.

Does every lump need a check first?

Yes, once. A doctor can usually tell a lipoma by feel. A scan (usually ultrasound) is advised before surgery when a lump:

• is larger than about 5 cm or growing quickly;
• feels hard, fixed or deep under the muscle;
• is painful, red or warm;
• has come back after earlier removal.

Skin cysts can look similar but are firmer and sometimes have a small dark opening; see lipoma vs sebaceous cyst.

Why do people choose removal?

• The lump shows through clothes or on the face, neck or arms.
• It aches, presses on a nerve or catches on straps and belts.
• It is slowly getting bigger, and a bigger lump needs a longer cut later.
• You want the lump examined in the laboratory for peace of mind.

How is a lipoma removed through a small cut?

1. Marking: the edges of the lump are outlined, and the cut is planned along a natural skin crease so the scar sits in a line that hides well.
2. Local anaesthetic: a fine needle numbs the skin and the tissue around the lump.
3. A small incision: the cut is often shorter than the lump. Because a lipoma is soft, it can be gently freed from the surrounding fat and eased out whole through the opening.
4. Checking the space: bleeding is stopped and the cavity is checked so no lipoma tissue is left behind.
5. Two-layer closure: absorbable stitches close the deeper layer and take the strain off the skin. Fine cosmetic stitches, or a buried stitch with skin glue, then close the surface. This double-layered closure is what keeps the scar thin.
6. Dressing and laboratory: a light dressing is applied, and the lump is sent for examination.

For very large lipomas, liposuction can shrink the lump first so the cut can stay short. The technique is described on the liposuction surgery page.

Where on the body does it matter?

Site	What is different
Forehead and face	The lump often lies under a thin muscle layer; the cut follows a skin line or the hairline
Neck and shoulders	Skin here is thick and under tension, so layered closure is important
Back	Lipomas can be large; scars may widen a little more than on the arms
Arms and thighs	Usually simple, quick removal
Armpit	Lumps are checked carefully against glands; see armpit lipoma removal

How should you prepare?

• Tell the doctor about blood thinners, aspirin and supplements such as fish oil.
• Eat normally unless general anaesthesia is planned.
• Wear loose clothing that will not rub on the dressing.
• Bring any earlier scan reports.

Useful questions at consultation:

• Does my lump need a scan before removal?
• How long will the cut be, and where will it sit?
• Will the stitches dissolve or need removing?
• When can I shower, exercise and go back to work?

What is recovery like?

Time	What to expect for most patients
Same day	Walk out after the procedure; mild soreness eases with simple painkillers
Days 1-2	Back to desk work; keep the dressing clean and dry
Days 7-10	Stitches removed if they are not dissolvable
Weeks 2-3	Return to the gym and sport as advised
Months 1-12	The scar fades from pink to a thin pale line; silicone gel and sun protection help

What are the risks?

• Bruising or a small collection of blood or fluid in the space, usually settling by itself.
• Infection, uncommon, treated with dressings and sometimes antibiotics.
• Scar that is red or slightly raised for a few months; rarely a thick scar or keloid.
• Numbness around the scar, usually temporary.
• Recurrence, rare when the lipoma is removed whole.

Call the clinic if you notice increasing pain, swelling, redness, discharge or fever.

What results can you expect?

The lump is gone the same day, the area looks smooth once swelling settles, and a fine scar remains. The laboratory report usually confirms an ordinary lipoma. If you tend to form lipomas, new ones may appear later and can be removed in the same way.

What affects the cost of lipoma removal in Pune?

• Size, depth and site of the lump.
• Anaesthesia: local, or general for larger lumps.
• Scans before surgery, if needed.
• Laboratory examination and follow-up dressing visits.

The exact cost is given after the lump has been examined at consultation.