Manhattan

121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022

Ph. (212) 285-1110

Long Island

901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240 Long Island, NY 11530

Ph. (516) 512-7616

New York City (212) 285-1110

Long Island (516) 512-7616

Lipoma Removal in New York

Lipomas are 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. Dr. Rokhsar consults with patients throughout the NYC, Long Island, and Manhattan areas and has years of experience treating lipomas through non-surgical and surgical removal procedures.

These adipose tumors can affect people at any age even though most cases occur between the ages of 40 and 60. The fat cells appear more often in the torso, upper arms, upper back, and buttocks, with a rare occurrence in the internal organs, shoulders, or calves. Lipomas can often occur on the forehead as well.

What Causes Lipomas?

A lipoma is a lump under the skin. The exact cause of lipomas remain unknown. Genetics and certain conditions may contribute to the risk of developing lipomas:

  • Anders syndrome
  • Gardner syndrome
  • Hereditary adipose tissue disorder
  • Multiple symmetric lipomatosis

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.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Double board-certified Dr. Cameron Rokhsar can diagnose the condition during a physical exam. Imaging tests may or may not be required. In some cases, he may also request a biopsy or small cut to rule out cancer. Imaging results may also be useful, such as:

  • X-rays to see the soft tissue’s shadow
  • CT scans to see if a fatty mass is present
  • MRI scans to see the fatty mass from all angles

During the exam, he can also distinguish whether it is a cyst or lipoma. With the latter being soft to the touch, round, unattached to the skin, and not painful to the touch. Your doctor may also identify the specific type by looking at it under a microscope.

The different types of lipomas are:

  • Conventional: Common white fatty tissue
  • Atypical: Deeper fat and larger cell numbers
  • Hibernoma: Unlike conventional lipoma, this type contains brown fat
  • Angiolipoma: Contains a large number of blood vessels
  • Myelolipoma: Produces white blood cells
  • Fibrolipoma: Fatty tumors that contain both fat and fibrous tissue
  • Pleomorphic: Cells present in various shapes and sizes
  • Spindle cell lipoma: Looks like spindles

Dr. Rokhsar’s Lipoma Treatment Options

Dr. Rokhsar performs lipoma removal under local anesthesia.

Dr. Rokhsar’s available treatment options include:

Excision

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.

Liposuction

This procedure removes the fat inside the growth. There is however still the odd chance of the lipoma reappearing in the future.

Kybella

This treatment breaks fatty tissue down 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. Kybella works by disrupting the membranes of fat cells. It is currently FDA approved for treatment of submental fat or the double chin.

Steroid injections

This can help reduce the size of the fatty tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of lipoma removal?

Since removal may involve a surgical procedure, it can present the possibility of certain risks or side effects. These may include scarring, pain, swelling, and infection. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail during your consultation.

Can a lipoma come back after treatment?

Yes, unfortunately, there is no guarantee that it will not return. However, the possibility of it returning greatly reduces with treatment.

Should I be worried about my fatty tumors?

Most lipomas are harmless. However, it’s important to have a doctor check them out to rule out any other medical conditions, including cancer.

Do lipomas grow rapidly?

Typically, lipomas grow slowly and do not cause pain. Lipomas rarely cause discomfort, but cases may vary, it depends on the size and location of the tumor.

Are there non surgical options to treat a lipoma without surgery?

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.

Schedule Your Consultation

Book your lipoma exam with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar and set your mind at ease, today.

New York Office Locations

Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
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Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616
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About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the double board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatments at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field.

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