Can Liposuction Be Used for Multiple Lipomas? Expert Insights

Liposuction for lipomas

Hello, doctor.
I have multiple lipomas, with about twenty of various sizes on my limbs.
Some have grown quite large, and I am concerned that surgical removal will leave me with numerous scars.
I have seen reports suggesting that liposuction can be used to minimize scarring, but when I consulted several doctors, they all said that surgical excision is the only option.
However, I found information online indicating that this can be done (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl-8wwclCTQ).
Are there any hospitals in the country that offer this procedure?

Xiao Wang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/09/23

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery

Multiple lipomas are often associated with strong oxidative stress in the body, smoking, lack of sleep, insufficient vitamin intake, and individual constitution may all be contributing factors.
Liposuction to remove lipomas is not technically unfeasible, but it may not be economically viable.
The scars from lipoma surgery are generally not significant.

Reply Date: 2013/09/23

More Info

Liposuction, traditionally known for its role in cosmetic surgery to remove excess fat, has been explored for various applications, including the treatment of multiple lipomas. Lipomas are benign tumors composed of adipose (fat) tissue, and while they are generally harmless, their presence can be bothersome, especially when they are numerous or large.
When considering the treatment options for multiple lipomas, it is essential to understand the nature of these growths. Lipomas are typically soft, movable, and painless, and they can vary in size. The standard treatment for lipomas is surgical excision, which involves cutting out the lipoma entirely. This method is effective but can lead to scarring, especially if multiple lipomas are removed in one session.

Liposuction, on the other hand, is less invasive and can potentially minimize scarring. The technique involves inserting a thin tube (cannula) through small incisions to suction out the fatty tissue. While some practitioners may use liposuction to remove lipomas, it is not the most common approach. The primary reason is that liposuction may not completely remove the lipoma, as it is designed to remove fat rather than the encapsulated tissue of a lipoma. This could lead to recurrence, as any remaining lipoma tissue can grow back.

In your case, with multiple lipomas on your limbs, the concern about scarring is valid. However, it is crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in lipoma removal. They can provide insights into the best approach for your specific situation. Some surgeons may offer a combination of techniques, such as excising larger lipomas and using liposuction for smaller ones, to optimize cosmetic outcomes while ensuring complete removal.

Regarding the availability of such procedures in your area, it would be best to research local clinics or hospitals that specialize in dermatological or cosmetic surgery. Many facilities may have experience with lipoma removal and could offer innovative techniques to minimize scarring.

In summary, while liposuction may be an option for some cases of lipomas, it is not the standard treatment and may not be suitable for all patients. Surgical excision remains the most reliable method for complete removal. Discussing your concerns and treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine the best course of action for your situation. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of each approach and guide you toward a solution that aligns with your aesthetic goals and health needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lipoma Surgery: Key Questions and Considerations

Hello doctor, I currently have three known lipomas: one on my back and two in the groin area. These three have been repeatedly infected from February to July this year, and the dermatologist has performed drainage. Due to the frequent infections, the dermatologist suggested that ...

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
1. The size of the sebaceous cyst is considered, as administering too much anesthesia at once may pose risks. 2. Local anesthesia can be decided by individuals aged 20 and above. 3. Hair removal can be decided on-site, provided it does not interfere with the surgery. 4. The...

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

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...

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 al...

Why Do Lipomas Recur After Surgery? Understanding the Causes

Hello, my friend has had lipomas removed three times. Why do they keep recurring?

Dr. Lin Zhiguang reply Surgery
Hello, people who typically develop lipomas often have multiple lipomas on their bodies, but it is not feasible to remove them all at once, as that would result in numerous wounds. Usually, the larger or symptomatic ones are addressed first. Your friend is likely not experiencing...

Understanding Lipomas: Causes, Treatments, and Home Remedies

Hello, I would like to ask about the numerous lipomas on my arms and inner thighs. There are really a lot of them, and they are not painful, but they feel quite uncomfortable to touch, especially one that is very noticeable on my arm. A friend suggested considering eating soft-sh...

Dr. Zhong Yitun reply Dermatology
Lipomas, if they are small and few in number, can be surgically removed. However, if they grow larger, surgical excision becomes more challenging, especially when there are many of them, making it practically impossible to remove all. The cause of lipomas is unknown, although som...