Therapy and removal of a lipoma
The common lipoma requires no further therapy. It can only be removed surgically if it visually disturbs the affected person, if it is located in a part of the body where it causes pain or if it is very large (see: Operation of a lipoma). Other methods such as dietary changes, massage or special creams have not been scientifically proven to prevent the development of lipomas or to remove them.
If the lipoma is located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, it can usually be cut out by a surgeon under local anesthesia. In this case, only a small incision is made above the fat tumor, which is then pressed out and the overlying skin sutured again. It is also advisable to apply a pressure bandage and, if necessary, a drainage for a few days after the operation.
However, this type of surgery usually leaves a scar, which may be more visible than the original lipoma. Another method that can be used for smaller lipomas is suction or liposuction. Although this leaves smaller scars, it is more difficult to remove all the lipoma tissue.
If a remnant of a lipoma remains in the body, the risk of a recurrence, i.e. a recurrence of a lipoma at this site, is increased. Particularly large lipomas that are located deeper or even in the abdominal cavity usually require surgery under general anesthesia. As with any other operation, there are certain risks and complications that can occur with smaller operations under local anesthesia.
These include possible bleeding, injury to adjacent structures or infection of the wound. However, if the operation is performed under hygienic conditions and by an experienced physician, the overall risk of these complications is relatively low. If the operation is performed under general anesthesia, additional factors must also be taken into account, but these should be clarified again in each individual case. However, in the case of a large lipoma in the neck and throat area, which already causes complaints, the indication for surgical removal is usually given, as this area of the body is where vital pathways run which must not be squeezed under any circumstances.
