What is fatty tissue removal
A lipoma is a benign growth made of fat cells that develops in the layer beneath the skin. Under the fingers it most often feels like a soft, movable lump that does not hurt, although it can become tender if it grows or sits in a spot exposed to pressure. Lipomas can form anywhere on the body, and most commonly appear on the neck, shoulders, back, arms and trunk.
Fatty tissue removal means the surgical removal of the entire growth together with its thin capsule. Removing it in full is important because it reduces the likelihood that the lipoma will reappear in the same place. Unlike some other methods, surgical excision allows the tissue to be removed completely and, if needed, sent for examination.
Although it is a largely harmless change, many patients choose removal because of discomfort, pressure, visibility or simply the feeling that the lump gets in the way of their daily life. In those cases the decision is entirely justified and understandable.
At the Medical Time center, before every procedure we examine the change, assess its size and position and explain what you can expect. Every lipoma is a story of its own, so we design the removal plan for the specific change and the specific patient.
When fatty tissue removal is indicated
Not every lipoma needs to be removed. Many small and quiet growths can simply be monitored. Still, there are situations in which removal has a clear benefit, whether because of symptoms, growth or uncertainty about the nature of the change.
During the conversation we carefully go through how much the lump bothers you, whether it is changing and where it is located. This information helps us decide together whether the procedure is justified and how to plan it.
- A growth that is enlarging or changing size
- Pain, tenderness or discomfort at the site of the lump
- A lipoma in a visible spot that is aesthetically bothersome
- Pressure on surrounding tissue or restriction of movement
- A lump in a spot exposed to friction from clothing or a belt
- Uncertainty about the nature of the change and the need to examine the tissue
- Several growths that interfere with everyday life
- A change that disturbs sleep or sitting when it sits in an awkward spot
How fatty tissue removal is performed
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia, which means only the area around the growth is numbed while you are awake and pain-free during the operation. The surgeon makes a small incision over the lipoma, carefully frees it from the surrounding tissue and removes it in full, where possible together with its capsule.
When the change is larger or located deeper, the incision and approach are adapted so the tissue can be removed safely. The removed lipoma can, as a rule, be sent for histopathological examination to confirm that it is a benign change, which gives patients additional reassurance.
Finally, the wound is carefully sutured, with attention paid to making the scar as inconspicuous as possible. The whole procedure is aimed at removing the lump completely and tending the area tidily and with measure.
Preparation
Preparation for fatty tissue removal is, as a rule, simple, but it is important that we go through a few steps before the procedure. At the examination we assess the size and position of the change and, if needed, request additional diagnostics if we want a better view of what lies beneath the skin.
An open conversation at the consultation is key. Tell us everything that could affect the procedure and wound healing, so we can plan the operation safely and calmly.
- Tell the doctor which medications you take, especially blood thinners
- Report allergies, chronic illnesses and earlier problems with wound healing
- State whether you have had lipomas before and whether they recurred
- On the day of the procedure wear comfortable clothing that does not press on the operation site
- Follow the instructions you receive at the consultation
- Plan for an easier day after the procedure, without demanding obligations
The procedure, anesthesia and duration
Removal of a smaller lipoma is most often performed under local anesthesia and is one of the shorter procedures. Since you are awake, the surgeon can explain what is being done during the operation itself, while you feel no pain, at most a slight pressure.
The duration depends on the size and depth of the change, so smaller and larger growths differ in how much time is needed. With larger or more deeply located lipomas the approach is somewhat more demanding, but we are still talking about a procedure that is well tolerated.
After the operation the area is dressed, and as a rule you can go home soon. You receive clear instructions on wound care and on when to come for a follow-up and suture removal if that is needed.
Recovery
Recovery after fatty tissue removal is usually quick and calm. In the first days it is normal to feel mild tenderness, tightness or slight swelling around the wound, which gradually subsides. For most people daily activities resume very quickly, with reasonable caution toward the operation site.
For the wound to heal well and the scar to be as tidy as possible, it is important to follow the care instructions. Avoiding strain on the operation area and tidy dressing changes make a difference in the final result.
- Keep the wound dry and clean according to the instructions you receive
- Avoid straining and stretching the area around the wound in the first days
- Do not remove the dressing yourself before the agreed time
- Come for the follow-up and suture removal when you are told
- Report increased swelling, redness, discharge from the wound or fever
- Protect the scar from the sun until it has fully matured
Possible risks
Fatty tissue removal is one of the well-tolerated procedures, but like any operation it carries certain risks that we discuss openly. A careful technique and tidy wound care serve to reduce the possibility of complications to the lowest possible level.
Most possible discomforts are mild and transient. If you notice any of the signs listed, contact us so we can respond in time.
- Minor bleeding or a collection of fluid at the procedure site
- Infection of the surgical wound
- A scar that in some people is more pronounced
- Temporary numbness or tenderness around the wound
- The possibility that the lipoma recurs over time if it was not removed in full
- Swelling and tenderness of the area in the first days
Why Medical Time
At the Medical Time center in Belgrade we remove fatty tissue carefully, with tidy wound care and attention paid to the appearance of the scar. We believe that even a seemingly simple procedure deserves a clear conversation, precise work and calm monitoring after the operation.
- An experienced surgical team and a careful excision technique
- Examination and assessment of the change before every procedure
- The option to send the tissue for histopathological examination for reassurance
- Attention paid to making the scar as inconspicuous as possible
- Clear instructions for wound care and follow-up
- Pleasant conditions at the center in Belgrade
Price — fatty tissue removal
The price of fatty tissue removal depends above all on the size and position of the lipoma, as well as on whether the change is superficial or located deeper. The estimate is also affected by the type of anesthesia and whether the removed tissue is sent for histopathological examination.
For this reason we give the final estimate after an examination, when we see exactly what kind of change is involved. In this way you receive a realistic plan tailored precisely to your lipoma, with no later surprises.
- Removal of a smaller lipoma
- Removal of a larger or more deeply located lipoma
- Consultation and examination of the change
- Histopathological examination of the removed tissue
For an individual estimate and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions
Lipomas are most often benign changes and are not dangerous. Still, we remove them when they bother you, grow or when there is uncertainty about their nature. The removed tissue can, as a rule, be sent for examination for additional reassurance.
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia, so only the area around the growth is numbed and you feel no pain during the operation. After the procedure mild tenderness is possible, which is easily eased and subsides quickly.
Every incision leaves a trace, but we work so that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible. Wound care, avoiding strain and protecting the scar from the sun while it matures help the final result be as tidy as possible.
When a lipoma is removed in full, together with its capsule, the possibility of it returning in the same place is smaller. In some people lipomas can still appear in other places, which has nothing to do with the quality of the previous procedure.
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients return to daily activities very soon, with reasonable caution toward the operation site and following the wound care instructions.
You do not have to. Quiet and small growths can simply be monitored. We recommend removal when the change grows, hurts, is aesthetically bothersome or when there is uncertainty about its nature.
That depends on the size and position of the change and on the nature of your work. With smaller procedures the return to obligations is usually quick, and we give you specific advice at the follow-up based on how the wound is healing.