Expert Physicians in Safe, Fast, Minimally Invasive Removal

If you have discovered a soft, slowly enlarging lump under your skin, it is considered a lipoma. Excessive growth of these noncancerous fatty atypical lipomatous tumors is usually harmless but can be uncomfortable or unattractive. At Vermont Urgent Care in Los Angeles, we provide professional lipoma diagnosis and removal treatments that include excisional surgery and liposuction, to make sure cosmetic and medical results are excellent.

What Is a Lipoma?

Lipoma is a soft, rubbery lump that mostly consists of fat cells and grows beneath the skin. Though usually benign, these fatty tumors can become larger and cause:

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Limited mobility if near a joint
  • Cosmetic concerns
  • Pressure on nerves or tissues

They commonly appear on the neck, shoulders, arms, back, thighs or forehead. Breast lipoma is typical, too. 

Do You Need Lipoma Removal?

Surgical removal may be recommended if:

  • The lipoma is growing
  • It causes pain or discomfort
  • It restricts movement
  • It affects your appearance

A consultation with our medical team will confirm if the mass is an atypical lipoma and determine the best treatment plan.

Lipoma Removal Methods

We offer two effective techniques depending on the lipoma’s size, depth, and location:

Excisional Surgery

  • Small incision made directly over the lipoma
  • Entire lipoma is removed with surrounding capsule
  • Minimizes recurrence

Lipoma Liposuction

  • Best for large or soft lipomas under the skin
  • Fat is suctioned out through a small tube (cannula)
  • Leaves minimal scarring

Note: Liposuction is often selected for cosmetic preference, but it may not remove the entire capsule, which could lead to recurrence.

Lipoma Removal Procedure

At Vermont Urgent Care, most removals are performed in-office with local anesthesia.

Procedure Overview:

  1. The area is cleaned and numbed
  2. A small incision is made or a cannula inserted
  3. The lipoma is removed via excision or suction
  4. The site is closed with stitches or left to heal naturally

Duration: 20 to 45 minutes depending on the method

Recovery and Aftercare

Lipoma removal is a low-risk, outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.

Post-Op Tips:

  • Keep the area clean and dry
  • Apply antibiotic ointment as directed
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
  • Stitches are typically removed in 7–10 days if used

Healing Process:

  • Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness is common
  • Full healing typically occurs within 2–3 weeks
  • Scars fade significantly over time

Common Questions

We only use local anesthetic, so discomfort is minimal. You may experience a little pressure as it’s done.

Excision is recommended as it removes the entire lipoma, including the capsule. Liposuction is less invasive, but some parts of the capsule may be left behind.

There is a low risk of recurrence if the alt fat tumor is completely removed. Liposuction might be a bit riskier.

Whether removal of the bags around your eyes is covered depends on if it is deemed to be medically necessary. Our employees can work with you to verify your benefits.

Fees are usually about $500 to $1,500 out-of-pocket, depending on the size of the patients and the complexity.

No, lipomas are composed of encapsulated fat cells, they are not reduced by weight loss or topical creams.

No. Removing the splinter yourself can be harmful and cause infection, scars, or retained splinters. As always, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

A lipoma is a growth comprised of fat, and a cyst is often hollow and filled with fluid. We can diagnose the distinction through a physical examination and/or imaging.

A lipoma in the breast typically feels like a soft, movable lump.

Why Choose Vermont Urgent Care for Lipoma Removal?

  • Same-day evaluations and procedures
  • Options for lipoma liposuction and excisional surgery
  • Experienced physicians trained in cosmetic and surgical techniques
  • Comfortable, state-of-the-art outpatient facility
  • Personalized aftercare and support

Schedule Your Lipoma Consultation Today