Introduction
A lipoma is a benign tumor that originates from the body’s fat cells. In most cases (99%), lipomas grow directly under the skin, so they are often disturbing. In most cases, lipomas are very small and their size is in the millimeter range.
Sometimes they can also become very large, up to 20cm. The most common localization of lipomas are the neck, upper arms, lower legs, spine and abdomen. In principle, however, they can develop wherever there is fatty tissue, for example in organs or in the abdominal cavity. As a rule, a lipoma does not cause any symptoms such as pain or the like. If lipomas occur in large numbers in a person, this is called lipomatosis, which can also often be genetically determined.
When is the operation?
The operation itself only takes a few minutes, as it is a very small procedure. A pressure bandage is then applied to prevent secondary bleeding. In the initial phase, the affected area should also be briefly immobilized.
How quickly you will be fit again after the operation depends mainly on whether a local or general anaesthetic was used for the operation. After a local anesthesia, you will stay there for a short period of observation to see if any intolerances to the anesthesia occur, otherwise no restrictions apply. If general anesthesia was used, you will remain under observation for a few hours after the procedure, after which you can be discharged home.
However, in the case of general anesthesia, you should not drive your car on the day of the procedure, but be picked up. During the course of the day you may experience increased fatigue and exhaustion. A sick leave beyond the day of the operation is usually not necessary.
However, if a larger lipoma has been removed or work involving heavy physical strain is performed, a sick note can be taken for two to three days. This is always an individual decision. A few days after the procedure, a check-up is performed by the family doctor, who controls the healing process of the wound and removes the stitches.
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