Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fat cells under the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly, they are found on the shoulders, back, arms, or thighs. While lipomas are generally harmless, many people opt for lipoma removal surgery if the lump is causing discomfort or if they simply want it removed for cosmetic reasons. One of the most common questions patients have before undergoing lipoma surgery is: Is lipoma removal surgery painful?
To help you understand the process and what to expect, we turn to Dr. Ashish Sangvikar, a well-known surgeon at Restore Aesthetics Clinic in Navi Mumbai. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during lipoma removal surgery and how painful the procedure might be.
What is Lipoma Removal Surgery?
Lipoma removal surgery is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia. The goal of the surgery is to remove the fatty lump completely from beneath the skin. Dr. Ashish Sangvikar at Restore Clinic explains that the procedure usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lipoma.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision over the lipoma. The fatty tissue is then carefully removed. In some cases, stitches are used to close the incision, but often, it’s a small enough cut that it can heal on its own without many stitches. Dr. Sangvikar highlights that lipoma removal is generally a day-care surgery, meaning that patients can go home the same day after the procedure.
Is Lipoma Removal Surgery Painful?
The thought of surgery may cause anxiety for many, and the concern about pain is natural. However, Dr. Ashish Sangvikar reassures his patients that lipoma removal surgery is not painful.
Before the surgery begins, a local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the lipoma. This ensures that you will not feel pain during the procedure. While you might feel some pressure or tugging as the lipoma is being removed, there should be little to no discomfort. Most patients report feeling only mild sensations, but no actual pain.
After the procedure, once the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort and soreness around the incision site may be felt. Dr. Sangvikar suggests that this is common and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The pain is usually mild and lasts for only a few days. You might also experience some swelling or bruising in the area, but this is temporary and should subside within a week or two.
How to Prepare for Lipoma Removal Surgery
Dr. Sangvikar advises that it’s important to follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by your doctor to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. This includes:
- Avoiding certain medications that may increase bleeding (like aspirin).
- Arranging for transportation after the surgery, as you may feel groggy from the anesthesia.
- Keeping the area clean and dry before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery process after lipoma removal surgery is relatively easy. Dr. Sangvikar emphasizes the importance of following proper aftercare instructions to avoid infection and ensure the best possible healing. You should keep the surgical site clean, take prescribed medications as directed, and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.
If any unusual symptoms, like increased redness, swelling, or pain, occur after the surgery, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. However, with proper care, most people recover quickly and can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lipoma removal surgery is not painful thanks to the use of local anesthesia, which numbs the area during the procedure. While mild discomfort and soreness can occur afterward, these are typically temporary and manageable with medication. Dr. Ashish Sangvikar and his team at Restore Clinic in Navi Mumbai ensure that patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. If you have a lipoma that you want to have removed, you can trust Dr. Sangvikar’s expertise to make the experience as easy and painless as possible.
