Lipoma Specialist

Knipe Dermatology

Board Certified Dermatologists located in Orlando, FL

A lipoma is a fatty lump that grows under the skin. Lipomas are harmless, but they can be bothersome. At Knipe Dermatology in Orlando, Florida, Ronald Knipe, MD, and Samantha Marrone, MD, specialize in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. They can talk to you about your lipoma and its treatment options. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Lipoma Q & A

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign growth of fatty tissue that develops under your skin and above your muscle. The growths may be round or oval, feel soft and doughy, and move easily under the skin.

Lipomas may occur anywhere on the body, but they most often appear on the torso, back, arms, shoulder, and neck. 

You may be more likely to develop lipomas if they run in your family. With a lipoma-causing condition, such as Gardner syndrome or Dercum’s disease, you may develop multiple lipomas all over the body. 

What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

Lipomas are symmetrical lumps that develop under the skin and move easily. However, lipomas are encapsulated, so they don’t spread to any of your surrounding tissue.

Though lipomas don’t generally cause pain, if they grow on or around a nerve, you may experience some discomfort. 

Lipomas are usually about two inches in diameter but may grow as large as six inches. 

How is a lipoma diagnosed?

When you visit Knipe Dermatology with concerns about a lump under your skin, your provider conducts an in-depth evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis.

In most cases, the skin care experts diagnose lipomas after a physical exam and inspection of the lump. However, to rule out other conditions, your provider may take a biopsy of your lump and send it to the lab for an evaluation and diagnosis.

Your provider may also run diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to determine the size and exact location of the fatty growth. 

How is a lipoma treated?

Lipomas are harmless skin growths, and you may not need any treatment at all. However, if your lipoma is bothersome, your provider at Knipe Dermatology may recommend surgical removal.

During lipoma removal, your provider makes an incision at the site of your lipoma and extracts the growth from the area. Surgical removal is a safe and effective treatment for lipomas. Once removed, the fatty growths usually don’t come back. 

To schedule a consultation at Knipe Dermatology to discuss treatment options for lipoma, call the office or book an appointment online today.