Are you wondering about what to expect after undergoing lipoma surgery? You're in the right place! Mykare Health is here to explain it for you!

In this blog, we'll explore the recovery duration following lipoma surgery. Whether you're preparing for the procedure or want to know the basics, understanding the recovery timeline is crucial.

Join us as we break down the key information, providing insights and tips to navigate the post-surgery phase with confidence and ease.

What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a round or oval-shaped mass of tissue that develops beneath the skin. It is made of fat, moves freely when touched, and is usually painless.

Lipomas can form anywhere on the body, however they are most frequent in the back, trunk (torso), arms, shoulders, and neck.

Lipomas are soft tissue tumors that are not cancerous. They grow slowly and are not carcinogenic.

Most lipomas are not treatable. If you're bothered by a lipoma, your doctor can remove it with an outpatient operation.

What is Lipoma Surgery?

The majority of lipomas are surgically eliminated by cutting them out. Recurrences following removal are rare. Scarring and bruising are two possible adverse effects.

A method called limited excision extraction may leave less scarring.It is an outpatient surgery performed under local anesthetic, with small incisions (cuts) of 3 to 4 mm.

A surgical device is placed into the cuts to remove the lipoma from the surrounding tissues. To ensure adequate healing, the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a waterproof dressing.

Lipoma Surgery Recovery

Large, painful lipomas are typically removed by surgical excision while under local anesthetic. It is an outpatient treatment that does not require hospitalization, with a recovery time of 2 to 3 weeks.

Recovery is dependent upon:

• How old are you
• Lipoma's size and location
• The substance of the lipoma
• The surgical method used to remove
• Debilitating conditions, such as diabetes (high blood sugar levels), may slow wound healing.
• Using drugs that may interfere with the recuperation process, such as blood thinners and antihistamines.

What All to Expect after Lipoma Surgery?

• Immediately following the surgery

Once your local anesthesia wears off, you may most likely feel mild pain and discomfort. A waterproof bandage will be placed over the surgical site, and your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative and wound care instructions.

You will be kept under surveillance for at least an hour before you are permitted to go.You may ask someone to drive you home because you will be unable to drive for at least 7 to 10 days. The need for sudden stops in an emergency is not recommended during the first few days after surgery.

Your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers to assist you in managing postoperative pain and discomfort. Resting on the day following surgery is essential for your body's recovery. This will aid in boosting your immune system.

• Next day after the surgery

Long naps are essential for healing and rapid recovery.To avoid wound infection, avoid washing your face for at least two weeks following surgery, particularly after removing a lipoma from the forehead. You may experience slight pain and discomfort for a few days, which can be readily handled with pain relievers.

To prevent wound infection, avoid taking a bath for at least a week. You can also take a sponge bath. You will most likely be summoned for stitch removal 7 to 10 days after surgery, as well as to inspect the incision for symptoms of infection. To reduce the chance of bruising, you will continue to wear a pressure dressing for at least two weeks.

• 2 weeks following the surgery

When the wound heals 2 weeks after surgery, you will have a scar at the surgical site. To avoid dryness, massage the scar with moisturizer on a daily basis. To decrease swelling and bruising, ice packs can be applied to your incision for 15 to 20 minutes each day.

• One month following the surgery

You should be able to recover within 2 to 3 weeks, with complete wound healing.You can start with modest exercise and work your way up to more intense activities at the gym.Swimming can be resumed after 4 weeks from the procedure.

Consult Your Surgeon If:

• Your dressing becomes soaked with blood.
• Your sutures come undone.
• You get a fever and chills.
• Redness, swelling, and pus leakage indicate that the wound has become infected.

How to Take Proper After Care ?

Proper aftercare is necessary for a smooth recovery with minimal scars. Let's dive into the necessary measures for lipoma removal aftercare, from immediate post-surgery care to symptoms of complications to watch for.

It is important to closely follow your surgeon's recommendations immediately following lipoma surgery. Some of the common recommendations made by the surgeons are :

• Wound Dressing: Keep your wound clean and dry. The dressing can be put in a way that lowers tension on the wound.

You should strive to keep the dressing intact. If it loosens or becomes soaked, return to the clinic for a replacement.

• Activity Restriction: Avoid straining your wound and causing tension in the area, since this may cause your scar to grow over time.

• Compression Garments: In some circumstances, your doctor may advise you to wear compression garments to prevent fluid from pooling in your wound.

Compression garments may be used afterward to avoid the growth of keloids.

• Medication: Take the pain reliever recommended by your doctor. Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen, can also be helpful, but only after consulting with your doctor and following the appropriate dosage.

• Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the surgery site for 15-20 minutes at a time will help reduce swelling and pain.

• Elevation: Try to elevate the affected region. This can decrease edema and boost blood circulation.

• Diet and Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is required for optimum recovery following lipoma excision.

Eating foods high in vitamins, minerals, and protein can aid in tissue regeneration. Vitamins A, C, D, and E can promote wound healing.

Proteins also contribute to wound healing by encouraging tissue growth, cell renewal, and cell repair.

To receive all of these vitamins, consume fruits, vegetables, lean proteins such as skinless chicken, and whole grains.

• Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Drinking and smoking can impede the healing process and raise the risk of complications. You should cut back on or completely quit using alcohol and tobacco.

It has been demonstrated that beginning abstinence 3-8 weeks before surgery can lower the likelihood of postoperative complications such as wound, cardiovascular, and infection.

• Rest: Get at least 7 hours of sleep per day. During your recuperation phase, it is critical to get enough rest so that your mending can progress properly.

• Gradual Return to Normal Activities: Follow your surgeon's instructions for when you can resume normal activities and exercises. Avoid heavy lifting and physical activity while recovering.

• Scar Creams: Your doctor may suggest scar creams or ointments, which you should use as prescribed.Topical treatments such as silicone gels, retinoids, and steroids are recommended for scar control.

It is also advised to utilise neurotoxins and growth hormones to improve scar look. Polydeoxyribonucleotide and peptide hormone growth factors, for example, can promote wound healing.

• Sun Protection: Avoid direct sunlight on your wound because your skin may be more sensitive to it after lipoma excision. Sun exposure might also make your scar darker.

You should stay at home as much as possible during your recovery, but if you must go out, make sure to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation.

• Massage: Gently rubbing the scar tissue may assist to break down collagen and enhance the scar's look over time.

However, it is vital to highlight that massaging should only be done under your doctor's advice and prescription because it may worsen the scar if done too early.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Lipoma Surgery?

• Fever
• Redness, inflammation
• Nausea
• Itching
• Permanent Scar

FAQs

1. Can Lipomas come back after surgery ?

Ans : Even if it is surgically removed, there are chances that lipoma can come back.

2. Is Lipoma Surgery Expensive?

Ans : Lipoma Surgery can vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs 80,000 depending upon the number.

3. Is Lipoma Surgery Safe?

Ans : Yes, It is absolutely safe if done under a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon.

4. Are there any Side effects for Lipoma Surgery ?

Ans : Yes, The possible side effects of lipoma surgery are scarring.