Lipomas

A lipoma is a lump made of (typically) non-cancerous fat cells. They’re found between the skin surface and underlying muscle layer, and because they’re made of fat cells, they are soft to the touch when pressure is applied.

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Lipoma Removal at Greco Dermatology in Sarasota

If you’re concerned about a lipoma, Dr. Greco can evaluate and treat it. Because these growths are rarely dangerous, there’s not usually any medical need to remove them. However, many patients want to get rid of them for cosmetic or comfort reasons. We provide all phases of treatment for you here at Greco Dermatology. Lesion clinics and skin checks are one of our primary services for those in the Sarasota area.

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Lipoma Facts

These growths commonly develop in the neck, shoulders, abdomen, back, arms, and thighs
Lipomas are slow-growing, but may become so large they impair the surrounding area
Although lipomas are typically harmless, they can rarely be cancerous
Some individuals have multiple lipomas
Lipomas are usually painless unless they are compressing the nerves under the skin or have an associated blood supply

Partner with Us

At Greco Dermatology, we recognize the burden that worrisome skin lesions carry with them. This is why we’re here to partner with you during the entire process of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Allow us to tackle that burden alongside you so that you’ll never feel alone in the process. You are in excellent hands with Dr. Joseph Greco, who patients have described as honest, engaged, compassionate, knowledgeable, and intelligent.

We provide individualized care, cutting-edge therapies, and an around-exceptional patient experience.

What Causes Lipomas?

Lipomas are mysterious, with their origins often unknown. We do know that they are often genetic, with individuals who have lipomas in their family being more likely to get them. Another widely believed but not proven theory is that they are caused by injury.

While lipomas can develop at any age, they’re most likely to appear in those between the ages of 40-60.

Diagnosis of a Lipoma

There are different types of lipomas and most are benign. If you want to learn more about your lipoma or to take the first step in lipoma removal, you’ll need to have a consultation with a dermatologist. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to entirely rule out any possibility of cancer.

After your exam, options for lipoma removal can be discussed and a personalized treatment plan can be created for you.

How are Lipomas Removed?

For lipoma removal, Dr. Joseph Greco performs an outpatient excisional surgery with local anesthetic. This is the most common treatment method.

It’s important for patients to understand that even with surgical removal, a lipoma may grow back. This is rare, but it is possible.

Why Choose Lipoma Removal at Greco Dermatology?

Founded by Joseph F. Greco, M.D., Greco Dermatology is a premier, comprehensive skin cancer and lesion center that focuses on the surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of suspicious lesions. Like his grandfather and father before him, Dr. Greco is a widely respected medical provider who takes great pride in the relationship he has with his patients. He is double board-certified by The American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery; served as Director of UCLA Santa Monica Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery for 12 years and has been recognized annually as a SuperDoctor® in Southern California (2016-2022) as well as a TopDoctor® in Los Angeles in 2018. In addition, Dr. Greco and his team strive to offer the most comfortable and soothing environment possible, with excellent bedside manners plenty of humor, and lightheartedness. If you’re in need of a dermatologist in Sarasota and would like to book a consultation with Dr. Greco, we invite you to contact us today.