Are you wondering what happens after lipoma surgery? Are you scared and confused about the surgery outcome?

Fear not, as you can manage your post-surgical period if you have better knowledge and information.

So, let's break it down for you!

In this guide, Mykare Health will help you go through what to expect during the recovery phase and how to take care of yourself post-surgery.

From the healing process to essential aftercare, consider this as your go-to guide for a smooth journey after saying goodbye to lipoma!

What Is Lipoma?

Lipomas are small, round or oval-shaped lumps or nodules found anywhere in your body, with the common sites being the forehead, neck, arms, back, thighs, buttocks, and legs.

They rarely spread to other surrounding structures unless they rapidly enlarge in size.

Here’s what you must know about them:

• Lipomas are usually slow growing and painless and develop between your skin and the muscle layer.
• These lumps predominantly consist of fatty tissue, but some lipomas may also contain blood vessels and other tissues.
• What causes lipoma is unknown, but genetics plays an important role in their formation since it runs in the family (inherited). You are likely to have a 2 to 3% risk of developing a lipoma if someone in your family has one. A huge-intensity trauma that causes a significant impact could also lead to lipoma formation.
• Most often, lipomas do not require any treatment since these are benign (non-cancerous) lumps that are not dangerous or life-threatening.
• But removing them is necessary when they suddenly enlarge in size, are unaesthetic (unpleasant to look at), get infected, or cause pain due to pressing against a nerve or blood vessel running through it.
• The best treatment for lipoma removal is surgical excision which reduces the risk of recurrence significantly.
• Recovery after lipoma removal determines how quickly and well the wound heals by following proper post-op instructions and aftercare.
• Having realistic expectations before any surgical procedure is important for a smooth recovery and a desired outcome.

What Is Surgical Lipoma Removal?

When it comes to dealing with lipomas, the most common and effective way is to surgically remove them. This outpatient procedure is done with small cuts (about 3 to 4 mm) under local anesthesia.

A special tool is used to carefully detach the lipoma from nearby tissues. After stitching up the cuts, a waterproof dressing is applied to help them heal properly. This method is advisable as it lowers the chances of the lipoma recurrence.

What To Expect After Lipoma Surgery?

Right After the Surgery:

Right after the surgery, you might feel some mild pain once the local anesthesia wears off. Your surgical site will be covered with a waterproof dressing, and your surgeon will give you all the instructions for post-op care.

You'll be observed for at least an hour before heading home. It's best to have someone drive you because you won't be able to drive for 7 to 10 days to ensure a safe recovery. Your surgeon will also provide pain relief medication to help manage any discomfort.

Next Day After Surgery:

Taking long naps is crucial for a speedy recovery. Avoid washing your face for about 2 weeks, especially if the surgery involves removing a forehead lipoma. You might experience mild pain for a few days, but pain relief medications will help. Skip the bath for a week, opting for a sponge bath instead.

1 Week After Surgery:

Suture removal is likely to happen 7 to 10 days post-surgery, and you will still have a pressure dressing for another 2 weeks to minimize bruising risk. Wound care is essential; change your waterproof dressing every 2 to 3 days. You can have a bath, but avoid hot tubs for at least 4 weeks.

Mild discomfort is normal and can be managed with pain medications. You can resume mild activities but avoid strenuous exercises for the next 2 weeks.

2 Weeks After Surgery:

After 2-weeks, your wound will be healed, but you will have a scar. Massage it daily with moisturizer to prevent dryness. Ice packs on the incision for 15 to 20 minutes daily can help with swelling and bruising.

1 Month After Surgery:

Expect a full recovery within 2 to 3 weeks. You can gradually continue moderate exercises and eventually get back to more intense activities, including hitting the gym. Swimming can be resumed after 4 weeks post-surgery.

After Care & Recovery:

Since we're not exactly sure why lipomas happen, your doctor might suggest some lifestyle changes to help you recover better and stop more fatty lumps from showing up. Doing these things not only helps you get better faster but also makes you generally healthier.

• Start walking the day after your surgery. Walking is easy and it helps your blood move around and makes you heal faster. Begin with short walks and slowly go a bit further each time.

• Try stretching too, like rolling your shoulders or moving your neck and ankles. Just check with your doctor before doing these.

• Quit smoking and cut down on drinking to help you heal faster and avoid problems.

• Eat well and exercise to stay at a healthy weight. This lowers the chances of getting more fat deposits and, in turn, lowers the risk of more lumps.

• While you're healing, avoid tough exercises that might strain where you had surgery. After you're better, you can do anything, but it's best to avoid sports where you might get hit a lot, as that can make more lumps show up.

So, after getting rid of lipoma, here's what happens: you might feel a bit sore, but with some care, you'll be fine.

Take it easy the next day, be gentle with your skin, and a week later, your stitches might come out.

Two weeks in, things should be getting better, and a month later, you'll be back to your usual self. Just follow the doctor's advice, take it slow, and you will be back in action in no time!