Lipomas, also known as fatty tissue growths, or adipose tumors that slowly grow beneath the skin. They are usually harmless and benign. The majority of people require no treatment if it is found in the subcutaneous tissue. Some lipomas are painful as they press on sensory nerves when they grow. There are other variants of lipomas called angiolipomas that are intrinsically painful. Dr. Rokhsar consults with patients throughout the NYC, Long Island, and Manhattan areas for evaluation and treatment of lipomas. Dr. Rokhsar has years of experience treating lipomas through non-surgical techniques with injections of Kybella as well as surgical removal procedures through surgical excision.
These adipose tumors can affect people at any age even though most cases occur between the ages of 30 and 60. There are variants which are genetic in nature. Usually, people with genetic lipomas suffer from numerous lipomas throughout their body. These lipomas can be of a variety of shapes and sizes and are often painful or tender to touch. These fatty tumors appear more often in the torso, upper arms, upper back, shoulders, buttocks, as well as upper thighs and calves. Lipomas can rarely occur in internal organs as well. Other common areas for lipomas are the back of the neck and the forehead.
A lipoma is a lump under the skin made up of fatty tissue which is often surrounded by a well-defined capsule. The exact cause of lipomas remains unknown. Genetics may play a part in the development of lipomas. According to another theory, lipomas can be caused by trauma to an affected particular area. Certain rare genetic conditions may also contribute to the risk of developing lipomas. These include
Certain lifestyle and health factors may also place you at a risk for the slow growth of adipose tumors. These include obesity, alcohol use, liver disease, and glucose intolerance.
Double board-certified dermatologist and surgeon, Dr. Cameron Rokhsar can diagnose the condition during a physical exam. Lipomas are often soft to touch and spongy or rubbery felling. They are also well circumscribed and freely movable in the subcutaneous tissue. Imaging tests may or may not be required depending on the size or location of the lipoma to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, he may also request a biopsy or small cut to rule out cancer. Imaging studies useful in the diagnosis and treatment of lipomas include:
During the exam, Dr. Rokhsar can often easily distinguish whether the lump bothering you is a cyst or a lipoma. Lipomas are often soft to the touch, round, unattached to the skin, freely movable. Some lipomas (angiolipomas) are often painful or tender to touch. Cysts on the other hand often have a harder consistency, are not easily movable, and have a centra black dot or puncta on the surface of the skin where they are creating a lump. Cysts can become painful when they get inflamed, a phenomenon which often quickly brings patients to the doctor’s office for evaluation and management of a skin bump.
Dr. Rokhsar offers a variety of option both surgical and non-surgical for removal of lipomas. Dr. Rokhsar performs all his lipoma treatment options under local anesthesia. Lipoma treatment option include surgical excision as well as non-surgical disruption of the lipoma through injections of a drug named Kybella. Kybella is an FDA approved drug that disrupts the membranes of fat cells and is highly effective to shrink lipomas non surgically.
Dr. Rokhsar’s available treatment options include:
During the surgical removal of the adipose tumor, an anesthetic is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is made numb, an incision is made and the fatty tumors are removed. You can resume your usual activities almost immediately after the procedure, depending on the tumor’s location and size. There is usually no post-op pain associated with surgical excision of lipomas.
This procedure involves breaking up the fat cells thorough the use of a special liposuction cannula after the area is numbed with tumescent anesthetic fluid. The cannula attached to suction pump is inserted underneath the skin in the area of the lipoma and through a back-and-forth motion of the cannula the lipoma is broken up and suctioned out. This procedure is reserved for unusually large lipomas where surgical excision may not be a great option. There is a higher risk of incomplete removal of the lipoma with the liposuction technique as well as a higher risk of the lipoma reappearing in the future.
Lipoma removal with Kybella treatment breaks down fatty tissue without the need for surgery. This has become the most popular non-surgical method to shrink lipomas for people who are surgery averse and do not want an incisional scar. It may take 1-3 sessions to effectively and permanently shrink a lipoma to the point it is no longer visible. The sessions are spaced 2 months apart. Kybella works by disrupting the membranes of fat cells. It is currently FDA approved for treatment of submental fat or the double chin. Dr. Rokhsar is one of the most experienced Kybella injectors in the United States, having conducted some of the early Kybella clinical trials. He has years of experience treating lipomas with non-surgical Kybella injections.
Steroid injections may help reduce the size of the fatty tissue. However, steroid injections are not an ideal way to treat lipomas as there are better options such as Kybella injections.
Lipoma removal through a surgical excision has the typical risks associated with surgery which include bleeding, infections, and formation of a scar. There is also a risk of the recurrence of the lipoma. The risks the non-surgical removal of lipomas with Kybella are limited. Thy include swelling and bruising. There is also a risk that your lipomas may not be able to be fully dissolved or that they may recur.
Yes, unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your lipomas will not return. This is true both in the case of a surgical or non-surgical treatment. However, the possibility of your lipoma returning is very small.
Most lipomas are harmless. However, it’s important to have a doctor check them out to rule out the possibility of other tumors, including cancerous ones.
Typically, lipomas grow slowly. Lipomas rarely cause discomfort, but cases may vary, depending on the size and location of the tumor as well as the subtypes of lipoma.
Yes. Dr. Rokhsar is a pioneer in treating lipomas without surgery. He uses FDA-approved Kybella injections to shrink lipomas non surgically and without scars. Dr. Rokhsar is among a very select group of doctors who has vast experience with injecting lipomas with Kybella. Dr. Rokhsar conducted some of the early clinical studies of Kybella injections.
Lipomas that are larger than 2 inches are sometimes referred to as giant lipomas and can cause nerve pain, self-consciousness about appearance, or changes in clothing fit. On the other hand, the size at which a lipoma is considered large may vary based on factors such as location and the individual patient. When a lipoma is larger, Dr. Rokhsar may recommend an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to determine if it has any unusual features or is deeper than the fatty tissue. Additionally, excision of a lipoma is typically most effective when the lesion is smaller. Dr. Rokhsar is also among a handful of doctors in the country who has much experience in treating lipomas in a non surgical way with Kybella injections, an FDA approved drug which melts fat. Overall, it is important to discuss any concerns about the size of a lipoma with Dr. Rokhsar who can provide a personalized assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Lipomas are noncancerous fatty growths that develop under the skin. They usually feel soft and doughy and can move easily with slight finger pressure. While most lipomas are harmless and don’t require treatment, some people may choose to reduce or remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. Here are some ways to decrease lipomas:
If a lipoma is causing discomfort or interfering with the movement of adjacent muscles, surgical removal may be necessary. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist before trying any natural remedies or making decisions about treatment options for lipomas.
One approach is to make dietary changes. Avoiding fat-storing foods may help prevent the development or growth of lipomas. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be beneficial.
Another option is surgical removal, which is the most common treatment for lipomas. Recurrences after surgical removal are uncommon, and the procedure typically requires only local anesthesia. Liposuction may also be used to remove lipomas, with a long, thin cannula used to remove fatty tissue from the growth.
Kybella injections, an FDA approved drug for getting rid of neck or double chin fat, is a very effective way to shrink lipomas on a permanent basis. Kybella causes lysis of fat cells. Upon injection, the lipoma involutes. The advantage of Kybella injections for lipomas is that you can get rid of your lipoma without any scarring. Dr. Rokhsar has treated hundreds of lipoma patients with Kybella injections.
It is important to consult with a board certified dermatologist before attempting any treatment or remedy for lipomas. While they are typically benign, it is important to rule out the possibility of any serious underlying conditions or other cancerous tumors.
Lipomas are benign growths of fatty tissue that usually occur just beneath the skin. The most common treatment for lipomas is surgical removal, where the lipoma is cut out. Surgical removal has a low risk of recurrence and can be done as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia. Minimal excision extraction with liposuction may result in less scarring. You may also consider Kybella injections to reduce the size of lipomas. Kybella is an injectable drug that dissolves fat cells and has been FDA approved for the double chin. The New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center was one of the first clinical study sites to use Kybella and Dr. Rokhsar has published scientific articles about Kybella. He has successfully used it off-labelly to reduce the size of lipomas in hundreds of patients. Kybella is painless after numbing injections, has minimal risk of scarring, and takes about 10-15 minutes in the office. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Lipomas are benign growths of fat tissue that usually do not require treatment. However, if a lipoma is causing discomfort or is cosmetically unappealing, it can be removed surgically. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, a double-board-certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon can easily perform the surgical removal of lipomas in office under local anesthesia.
Lipomas can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam by a doctor, but in some cases, a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to further assess the size and location of the lipoma.
The most common method of eliminating lipomas is surgical removal, which involves cutting them out. This procedure is generally safe and effective, and most patients can go home on the same day. Possible side effects include scarring and bruising, but a technique known as minimal excision extraction may result in less scarring.
Another option for eliminating lipomas is liposuction, which is the removal of fat cells using a suction device. This technique is typically reserved for large lipomas that cannot be removed using traditional surgery. Injection lipolysis, which involves chemically reducing the number of fat cells with an injection of Kybella, is another option that may reduce scarring. This can be achieved with Kybella injections. Kybella is an injectable drug that dissolves fat cells and has been FDA approved for the double chin. The New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center was one of the first clinical study sites to use Kybella and Dr. Rokhsar has published scientific articles about Kybella. He has successfully used it off-label to reduce the size of lipomas in hundreds of patients. Kybella is painless, has minimal risk of scarring, and takes about 10-15 minutes in the office. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Surgical removal is the most common and effective method of eliminating lipomas. Liposuction and injection lipolysis are reserved for larger lipomas that cannot be removed using traditional surgery. Natural remedies such as green tea, chickweed tea, turmeric paste, and neem oil are not proven methods for treating lipomas.
The cost of lipoma removal surgery can vary depending on various factors such as the size and number of lipomas being removed, the type of anesthesia used, the location of the procedure, and the experience of the provider performing the procedure.
Surgical removal is the most common method of removing lipomas, and possible side effects are scarring and bruising. Insurance coverage may also play a role in the cost of the procedure. Kybella injections, however, are not covered by insurance and would be an out-of-pocket cost.
Book your lipoma exam with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar and set your mind at ease, today.
Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
