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Is Lipoma Removal Like Liposuction?
You can remove lipomas with liposuction but it introduces two potential problems. The first problem is being sure to have tissue for pathology. While soft tissue masses that are otherwise asymptomatic can be a lipoma it can also be other things. Pathologic diagnosis is important and liposuction alone can make getting tissue for pathology difficult. The second problem is recurrence. Lipomas can recur if not completely resected. They tend to have defined borders and can be "shelled out". Liposuction makes complete removal more difficult and may increase recurrence.
Clinical Context
Lipomas are common, usually harmless fatty growths under the skin. Surgical excision removes the whole lump intact, allowing a pathologist to confirm exactly what it is and lowering the chance it grows back. Liposuction can shrink or flatten a lipoma with a smaller scar, but because it breaks the tissue into fragments, some lipoma cells may be left behind, and there's less tissue available to examine under a microscope. Your surgeon can help decide which approach fits your specific lump.
