What are lipomas?
Your skin is the most exposed part of the body, and also one of the largest organs. The skin can develop a wide range of issues that are either cosmetic or medically-concerning. At Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, Short Hills, NJ area patients can learn about specific problems that they may be experiencing. Patients who have growths that develop underneath the skin may be dealing with a certain issue known as lipomas.
Understanding lipomas
Many patients who are diagnosed with a lipoma have questions about what they are and how they are treated. Lipomas are non-cancerous growths that occur in the soft tissues just below the skin’s upper surface. The lipoma itself is made of fat cells and can be anywhere between 1 and 3 centimeters in size. They can develop on any part of the body. While they are not typically a cause for concern, their appearance may be embarrassing or, in cases where the lipoma is large, they may become painful. This leads patients to dermatologists to determine if they can be removed.
What increases my risk of developing lipomas?
The specific cause of lipoma development is still unknown, but there are certain risk factors that seem to be connected to patients who develop lipomas over time. Sometimes, an injury to the skin may trigger the growth of a lipoma. Most patients who develop them are within the ages of 40 and 60, and are more often men than women. However, everyone is at risk and should have knowledge about this and other skin growths that might need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
What treatment is used for removal?
While it is not medically necessary to remove a lipoma in most instances, some patients choose to have them removed because of their location as they can become large and painful. They may also be aesthetically embarrassing. Some patients can have the lipoma injected with steroids to shrink them down, or the lipoma can be surgically removed with a fast outpatient procedure at the office.
Are you interested in learning more about effective treatments of lipomas?
Short Hills, NJ area patients who want to find out more can educate themselves with the providers at Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills. We are conveniently located at 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 2H and can be reached at (973) 232-6245 for an appointment.