Lipoma: When a Soft Lump Appears Beneath the Skin

You may have noticed a soft, squishy lump under your skin—painless, slow-growing, and mobile when pressed. While it might seem alarming at first, chances are it’s a lipoma—a common, benign growth of fatty tissue.

At SkinWise Clinic, we help you diagnose, manage, and remove lipomas safely, ensuring peace of mind and cosmetic comfort.

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a non-cancerous tumour made of fat cells. It typically forms between the skin and the underlying muscle, and can appear anywhere on the body—especially:

• Neck

• Shoulders

• Back

• Arms

• Thighs

• Trunk

Most lipomas are solitary, but some people may develop multiple lipomas (a condition known as familial multiple lipomatosis).

How Does It Feel?

• Soft or rubbery to the touch

• Moves easily when pressed

• Usually painless

• Grows slowly over months or years

• Ranges from pea-sized to several centimeters

Occasionally, lipomas may become painful if they press on nearby nerves or develop inflammation.

What Causes Lipomas?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several factors contribute:

• Genetics – Lipomas often run in families

• Minor trauma – Sometimes develop after injury

• Age group – Most common between ages 30–60

• Metabolic syndromes or rare syndromes (e.g., Madelung’s disease)

Lipomas are not linked to obesity, despite being fatty growths.

Are Lipomas Dangerous?

No—lipomas are benign and rarely pose any health risk. However, they should be assessed if:

• They grow rapidly

• Cause pain or discomfort

• Change in consistency

• Are located in cosmetically sensitive areas

• Interfere with movement or clothing

• You are uncertain if it’s really a lipoma

In rare cases, a liposarcoma (malignant tumour) may mimic a lipoma—hence, medical evaluation is important.

Diagnosis at SkinWise Clinic

We diagnose lipomas primarily through:

• Physical examination

• Ultrasound or MRI (if deeper tissue involvement is suspected)

• FNAC or biopsy (only in suspicious cases)

Treatment Options

🔹 Observation

• Small, painless lipomas can simply be monitored over time

• No medication can dissolve a lipoma

🔹 Surgical Excision (Definitive Treatment)

• Simple outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia

• The entire lipoma is removed through a small incision

• Minimal scarring with good cosmetic outcomes

• Prevents recurrence (if completely excised)

🔹 Liposuction (Selected Cases)

• Used in larger or softer lipomas

• Less scarring but higher chance of recurrence if capsule is not removed

Aftercare and Recovery

• Small wound dressing for a few days

• Stitches removed in 5–7 days (if non-absorbable)

• Minimal downtime—most patients return to routine activities the same day

• Scar care and suture-line care as advised