Lipoma Removal in Toronto: What to Expect, From Diagnosis to Scar

A lipoma is a soft, rubbery lump of fatty tissue that sits just under the skin. It's one of the most common soft tissue growths, and it is almost always benign. Even so, many people are bothered by one: it shows through a fitted shirt, catches on a bra strap or backpack, feels tender when it's bumped, or simply keeps getting bigger.

Here's what a lipoma is, how lipoma removal is done at Power Plastic Surgery, and what to expect for recovery, scarring and cost.

What Is a Lipoma?

Lipomas are benign growths made up of fat cells. They usually:

• Feel soft or rubbery and move slightly under the skin when pressed
• Grow slowly over months or years
• Appear on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, trunk or thighs, although they can occur almost anywhere
• Are painless, though some become tender, especially if they press on nearby structures

It isn't fully clear what causes lipomas. They tend to run in families and are more common in certain age groups. Some people have just one; others develop several over time.

First Step: Get the Lump Checked

Any new lump should be assessed by your family doctor first, to make sure it isn't something medically concerning. A lipoma is usually diagnosed from the history and a physical exam. If a lump is growing quickly or causing symptoms, talk to your family physician first; imaging may be needed before elective removal is considered.

Once your doctor is comfortable that the growth isn't concerning, removal becomes a question of comfort and appearance, and a board-certified plastic surgeon can walk you through your options.

Lipoma or Cyst?

Lipomas and cysts can look alike on the surface, and patients often mix them up. A lipoma is made of fat cells, while a cyst is a sac filled with thick fluid or keratin. Cysts are often firmer, may have a small central pore, and can become inflamed or infected. Lipomas usually feel softer and don't drain.

The distinction matters because the removal technique differs. If you aren't sure which you have, Dr. Power will examine it at your consultation. Learn more about cyst removal.

Is Lipoma Removal Covered by OHIP?

Dr. Power performs lipoma removal privately, so it is not billed to OHIP. If you have private health insurance, it's worth checking with your provider before your consultation, as coverage varies.

How Lipoma Removal Is Done

Most lipomas are removed under local anesthetic in our private minor procedure room, so you're awake, the area is frozen, and you go home the same day. Larger lipomas, or those in some locations, may be better removed under general anesthetic. This depends on the lipoma's size, location and depth, and Dr. Power will discuss it at your consultation if removal under local anesthetic isn't recommended.

Surgical excision is the most common approach. Dr. Power makes an incision over the lipoma, removes the fatty tissue, controls any bleeding with cautery, and closes the incision with stitches. Where possible, the incision is placed along natural skin creases or lines of tension, so the scar is as discreet as it can be. The incision is usually roughly the same length as the lipoma.

Liposuction may be an option for larger lipomas, such as a buffalo hump at the back of the neck. Using a small cannula through a short incision can mean a smaller scar. Because liposuction may leave some lipoma tissue behind, the chance of recurrence may be somewhat higher than with excision. Learn more about liposuction with Dr. Power.

Every lipoma removed is sent to the lab for pathology, at no additional fee.

Recovery After Lipoma Removal

Recovery depends on the size of the lipoma and the technique used. You'll get detailed written instructions (see our post-op instructions for minor surgery), but a typical recovery looks like this:

• Same day: You go home after the procedure. If it was on your leg, groin or a large area, arrange a ride.
• First 48 hours: Cold compresses help reduce bruising, bleeding and swelling.
• Next day: Most patients return to office-based work. Gentle washing of the incision in the shower can usually start the day after your procedure.
• 1 to 2 weeks: Stitches are removed, depending on the location.
• About 2 weeks: Exercise, sports, swimming and heavy lifting can usually resume.
• 6 weeks: If liposuction was used, a compression garment may be needed for about six weeks.
• Up to 1 year: Your scar continues to soften and fade before it reaches its final appearance.

For pain, Tylenol is usually enough once the freezing wears off. Avoid Advil, Aleve and aspirin unless Dr. Power advises otherwise, since they can increase bleeding. Please don't stop any prescribed blood thinner unless your physician tells you to. Our post on minor plastic surgery FAQs covers more of these practical questions.

Will There Be a Scar?

Any surgical incision leaves a scar, but a plastic surgeon's goal is to make it as small and inconspicuous as possible. You can help the final result by:

• Protecting the scar from the sun with clothing or SPF
• Starting scar massage once Dr. Power says it's safe
• Using silicone gel or sheeting as recommended

It takes about a year for a scar to reach its final appearance. If an older lipoma scar bothers you, scar revision may help.

Can a Lipoma Come Back?

The risk of a removed lipoma coming back is low. Removing the whole lipoma, including its thin capsule, helps reduce that risk. It's also possible to develop new lipomas elsewhere over time, especially if they run in your family; that isn't the original lipoma returning.

Lipoma Removal Cost in Toronto

Cosmetic lipoma removal is an elective procedure, so it is paid privately. The cost depends mainly on the size and location of the lipoma and whether local or general anesthesia is needed. You can see an estimate for your lipoma, based on its size and location, and book online through our minor procedure booking page. The booking page gives a price range based on the lipoma's size and location. Minor procedures require a $150 + HST deposit at booking, which goes toward your surgery fee when the procedure is done the same day. Pathology is included at no additional fee. Financing through Beautifi is available for procedures of $1,000 and above; see fees and financing.

Why Choose Dr. Power for Lipoma Removal?

"Most patients wait until a lipoma bothers them enough that a small, well-placed scar feels like the better trade-off. Lipomas can be removed while they're still small, which usually means a smaller scar."

- DR. STEPHANIE POWER

Dr. Stephanie Power is a plastic surgeon certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), with fellowship training in Aesthetic Surgery and in Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. Lipoma removal is a small procedure, but where the incision goes and how it's closed make a real difference to how the scar looks a year later. Her Yorkville office has an all-female team, and patients come from across Toronto and the GTA.

Lipoma Removal FAQs

Does lipoma removal hurt?

The area is numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward is usually managed with Tylenol.

How long does lipoma removal take?

For a small lipoma under local anesthetic, expect to be in the clinic for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Can I drive home after lipoma removal?

Usually, yes, after procedures on the face, scalp or upper body under local anesthetic. If your lipoma is on your leg or groin, or the incision is large, arrange a ride.

Is lipoma removal covered by OHIP?

Dr. Power performs lipoma removal privately, so it is not billed to OHIP. Some private insurance plans may help, so check with your provider.

Can a lipoma be removed without a scar?

Every incision leaves a scar, but careful placement and closure, plus good scar care, help keep it discreet. For large lipomas, liposuction may allow a smaller incision.

Will my lipoma come back?

The chance of the same lipoma returning after complete removal is low. New lipomas can still appear in other places over time.

Should I remove a lipoma before it gets bigger?

Lipomas often grow slowly over time, and a smaller lipoma generally means a smaller incision, so removal may be considered while it's still small.

Request a Consultation

If a lipoma has been bothering you, you don't have to keep living with it. Book online or contact Power Plastic Surgery to request a consultation with Dr. Stephanie Power in Toronto, or call (416) 962-1010, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Any new or changing lump should be assessed by your physician. Individual results vary.