Lipoma Removal: What to Expect From Consultation to Recovery

If you’ve noticed a soft, movable lump beneath your skin, it may be a lipoma — a benign fatty growth that can develop almost anywhere on the body. While lipomas are typically harmless and painless, many patients choose to have them removed due to discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or continued growth.

Dr. Glenn Sandler provides expert evaluation and surgical removal of lipomas for patients in Rockville, MD and surrounding communities. With decades of surgical experience, he focuses on safe, effective treatment and a smooth recovery process.

What Happens During Your Consultation

Your initial visit is designed to evaluate the lump and determine whether removal is appropriate.

During your consultation, Dr. Sandler will:

• Review your medical history
• Ask how long the lump has been present
• Discuss any pain, tenderness, or changes in size
• Perform a physical examination

In most cases, lipomas can be diagnosed with a physical exam alone. If the mass is unusually large, deep, or firm, imaging studies may be recommended to better understand its characteristics.

If removal is advised, Dr. Sandler will explain the procedure, discuss risks and benefits, and review what you can expect during recovery.

The Lipoma Removal Procedure

Lipoma excision is typically a straightforward outpatient procedure.

What to expect:

• Dr. Sandler will discuss the appropriate type of anesthesia ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia depending on the location and the size of your lipoma
• A small incision is made over the lipoma
• The fatty mass is carefully separated and removed
• The incision is closed with sutures

Most procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Patients return home the same day.

In many cases, the removed tissue is sent for routine pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Recovery After Lipoma Removal

Recovery is generally uncomplicated and well tolerated.

The First Few Days

• Mild soreness or tenderness
• Minor swelling or bruising
• Slight tightness around the incision

Over-the-counter pain medication is often sufficient for discomfort. Most pain improves significantly within a few days.

Returning to Normal Activity

• Light activities can usually be resumed within one to two days
• Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately two to four weeks, depending on the location of the surgery
• Sutures, if not dissolvable, are typically removed within 7 to 14 days

Complete healing continues over several weeks. Scars generally fade gradually over time.

Lipomas rarely recur after complete removal, although some individuals may develop new lipomas in different areas.

When to Call the Office

• Increasing redness or warmth at the incision site
• Persistent swelling
• Drainage or bleeding
• Fever
• Worsening pain

Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures proper healing.

Why Patients in Rockville, MD Choose Dr. Glenn Sandler

Dr. Sandler has provided surgical care to patients in Rockville and Montgomery County for many years. His practice emphasizes personalized treatment, clear communication, and meticulous surgical technique.

If you have a lump that concerns you or a diagnosed lipoma you would like removed, scheduling a consultation is the first step toward peace of mind and relief.