Lipoma Treatment

How is Lipoma Diagnosed?

A dermatologist or healthcare provider will diagnose lipoma after a physical examination where the size, texture, mobility and sensitivity of the lump is assessed.

In case the lump is large, tender, fast-growing, deep, or abnormal, imaging tests, like ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a CT scan, may be recommended by the doctor. A biopsy might also be performed in some cases to confirm the diagnosis and exclude liposarcoma or other types of soft tissue tumour.

How is Lipoma Treated Based on Severity?

The treatment of lipoma depends on the severity and the extent of the problems you are facing. Mild lipoma or smaller tumours do not usually require medical intervention. However, if the lipoma is enlarged and causing pain or other issues, your dermatologist may recommend its removal.

Check out the suggested treatment for lipoma based on severity:

Types of Lipoma and Their Treatment

An overview of treatment based on lipoma type and location is given in the table below:

Other Treatments for Lipoma

The dermatologist will determine the best course of treatment depending on:

• The size of the lipoma

• The number of skin tumours

• If the lipoma is painful and its location

These lipoma treatment methods may include:

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Lipoma

The following alternative treatment approaches can also be used for lipoma treatment:

• Ayurvedic herbal formulations prescribed by a qualified AYUSH practitioner.

• Homoeopathic practitioners can also recommend home supplements, like turmeric and herbal mixtures, to reduce inflammation.

• Yoga can improve overall physical health and metabolism and may prevent new fatty deposit formations.

Home Care for Managing Lipoma

Home care can help detect lipoma early, reduce irritation and support faster recovery after surgery. Some of these measures include:

• Regularly feel the lump and check for any changes in size, shape or tenderness.

• Do not try to squeeze or remove a lipoma at home.

• Try to protect the affected area from any injury or trauma.

• Always visit a dermatologist if you feel the lipoma is getting enlarged or is causing pain and discomfort.

• Adhere strictly to the wound care regimen suggested by your dermatologist.

How Long Does Lipoma Treatment Take?

The duration of different lipoma treatment is as follows:

Lipoma Treatment Side Effects

The lipoma removal procedure is considered quite safe. However, like any other surgical operation, it can involve certain complications. Contact your surgeon or dermatologist if you see any of the following:

• Bruising

• Bleeding

• Scar formation

• Infection (very rare complication)

• Reoccurrence of the growth if the whole mass was not removed

• Temporary feeling of numbness

• Rarely, injury to nearby organs or tissues

To avoid complications, strictly follow the surgeon's recommendations after the surgery.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Lipoma

Some lifestyle changes may also be recommended by the doctor depending on the size and severity of the lipoma. These may include:

• Maintain a healthy body weight by eating well and exercising.

• Avoid subjecting yourself to any form of repeated pressure on the location of the lipoma.

• Routine visits to follow up on large lipomas or several lipomas.

• Take care of your wound following surgery or treatment.

• Wear loose clothes when the lipoma is situated in a place that is easily irritated or prone to friction.

Triggers That Can Worsen Symptoms of Lipoma

Common triggers that can aggravate lipoma and worsen symptoms include:

• Friction or repetitive pressure on the lipoma.

• Injury or trauma to the affected area.

• Pressure on nearby tissues or nerves due to big lipomas.

• Delay in seeking medical attention for a growing or painful lipoma.

Lipoma Treatment Cost

The cost of lipoma treatment in India is influenced by factors like size, number, location, complexity of the lipoma and the treatment method recommended by the doctor. The approximate cost of lipoma surgery in India ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹70,000. While uncomplicated cases that need simple surgery cost an estimated ₹10,000 - ₹30,000, enlarged or complicated cases of lipomas may cost between ₹40,000 - ₹1,00,000 or more.

Consulting fees and diagnostic tests, including ultrasound and MRI examinations, can increase lipoma treatment costs.

Does Health Insurance Cover Lipoma Treatment in India?

Yes. Lipoma surgery in India can be covered by health insurance plans if the surgery is deemed medically necessary due to pain, movement restriction, compression of other body parts, rapid growth of the lipoma or suspicion of malignancy. It pays for the cost of day care procedures, surgeries, OPD procedures, diagnostic tests, etc., depending on the plan.

However, lipoma removal performed solely for cosmetic purposes does not fall under the scope of medical insurance. Therefore, you must check the scope of coverage offered by the policy before buying.