Is This a Lipoma or Something More? When to See a Surgeon
Finding a lump under your skin can be alarming. For many people, it turns out to be a lipoma—a common, non-cancerous growth made of fatty tissue. While generally harmless, lipomas can still raise concerns, especially if they change in size, become painful, or simply don’t go away. One of the most common questions patients ask is, will a lipoma go away on its own, or does it need to be removed? In this blog, we’ll explain what lipomas are, when to monitor them, and when it’s time to see a surgeon.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing, soft lump of fat that forms just beneath the skin. It’s usually:
- Soft and doughy to the touch
- Moveable when pressed
- Painless, though some can cause discomfort
- Typically found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or thighs
Lipomas can range from the size of a pea to several inches wide. Most are found during routine self-exams or accidentally during a doctor’s visit for something else.
While they may seem concerning at first, lipomas are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous and usually don’t pose a health threat. However, there are exceptions—especially if symptoms change.
Will a Lipoma Go Away Without Treatment?
The short answer is no—a lipoma won’t go away on its own. Once formed, a lipoma tends to stay in place, and it may slowly grow larger over time. While they rarely shrink or disappear, many lipomas remain small and cause no issues.
That’s why so many people search, will a lipoma go away, hoping for a natural solution. Unfortunately, because lipomas are made of fatty tissue and enclosed in a thin capsule, the body doesn’t break them down or absorb them. Non-surgical treatments like diet changes, massage, or topical creams won’t make a meaningful difference either.
When Should You See a Surgeon for a Lipoma?
Even though most lipomas are harmless, there are times when surgical evaluation is the best course of action. Consider seeing a surgeon if:
- The lipoma is growing or changing in texture
- You experience pain or discomfort, especially when moving or sitting
- The lump is pressing on nearby nerves or muscles
- It interferes with your appearance or confidence
- There’s any uncertainty about the diagnosis
In rare cases, what appears to be a lipoma could be a liposarcoma, a rare cancer of fat tissue. Unlike lipomas, liposarcomas are usually firm, fixed in place, and may grow rapidly. If your provider isn’t 100% sure about the diagnosis, a biopsy or imaging study like an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended.
What Does Lipoma Removal Involve?
If you decide to have your lipoma removed, the procedure is typically quick, safe, and done under local anesthesia. At Surgical Associates of Tulsa, our surgeons perform outpatient lipoma removal through a small incision, carefully extracting the fatty mass and minimizing scarring.
You’ll be able to go home the same day, and recovery usually involves mild soreness for a few days. Most people return to normal activities within a week.
Removing a lipoma also allows the tissue to be sent to a lab for analysis, confirming the diagnosis and giving you peace of mind.
Can a Lipoma Come Back After Surgery?
In most cases, removal is permanent. However, some people are prone to developing multiple lipomas, especially if they have a family history or a condition called familial multiple lipomatosis. If a new lump forms in a different location, it’s likely a new lipoma rather than a recurrence of the original one.
Still wondering, will a lipoma go away after surgery? Once it’s removed by a qualified surgeon, it’s highly unlikely to come back in the same spot.
When Lipomas Affect Quality of Life
Even though lipomas are benign, they can still impact daily life. A noticeable lump under the skin can cause embarrassment, make clothing uncomfortable, or interfere with physical activity. For these reasons, many patients choose removal not because the lipoma is dangerous—but because it’s disruptive.
If a lump is making you self-conscious or limiting your lifestyle, it’s absolutely reasonable to consider surgery, even if it’s not medically necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve discovered a lump and are asking, will a lipoma go away, the answer is clear: while lipomas aren’t typically dangerous, they also don’t disappear without surgical treatment. Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort or simply want peace of mind, the expert team at Surgical Associates of Tulsa can help. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and find the best path forward for your health and confidence.