Laser Treatment for Lipomas: Is It a Viable Alternative to Surgery?

Laser treatment for lipomas?

Dear Sirs, my husband has many lipomas on his body.
He heard from someone that Changhua Show Chwan Hospital has a type of treatment where they use "laser" to make them disappear, without the need for surgery.
Is this true? Where can we get more information? Also, we...

Rita, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/13

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery

I have not heard of using laser treatment for lipomas.
Multiple lipomas may indicate a constitutional issue.
If your husband wishes to seek treatment, he can visit our surgical department.
My clinic hours are Wednesday and Friday mornings, and if that's not convenient, we also have evening surgical hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to assist you.

Reply Date: 2000/12/13

More Info

Laser treatment for lipomas has been a topic of interest among patients seeking alternatives to traditional surgical methods. Lipomas are benign tumors composed of adipose (fat) tissue, and while they are generally harmless, they can be bothersome due to their size or location. The conventional treatment for lipomas is surgical excision, which involves removing the lipoma entirely. This method is effective and typically results in a complete resolution of the lipoma.

Regarding the use of laser therapy for lipomas, it is important to clarify that while lasers can be used for various dermatological conditions, their application for lipomas is not widely accepted or practiced. The primary reason is that lasers are not designed to remove fatty tissue effectively. Instead, they are more commonly used for skin resurfacing, hair removal, and the treatment of certain skin lesions. The idea that laser treatment can make lipomas "disappear" without surgery is not supported by substantial clinical evidence.

In some cases, laser-assisted liposuction may be mentioned, where laser energy is used to liquefy fat before suctioning it out. However, this technique is typically reserved for larger areas of fat reduction rather than for individual lipomas. Moreover, the effectiveness of laser treatment for lipomas remains uncertain, and there is a risk that the lipoma may recur if not completely removed.

If your husband has multiple lipomas and is considering treatment options, it would be advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or a surgeon specializing in soft tissue tumors. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on the size, location, and number of lipomas. Surgical excision remains the gold standard for treatment, as it ensures complete removal and minimizes the chance of recurrence.

For more information, you may want to reach out to local medical facilities or dermatology clinics that specialize in lipoma treatment. They can provide insights into the latest treatment options and help you understand the risks and benefits associated with each method.

In summary, while the idea of using laser treatment for lipomas may sound appealing due to its non-invasive nature, it is not a widely accepted or effective alternative to surgical excision. If your husband is looking for a solution, consulting with a medical professional will provide the best guidance tailored to his specific situation.

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