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A lipoma is a slow-growing, non-cancerous lump made up of fatty tissue that forms beneath the skin. While often harmless, these soft, movable growths can become uncomfortable or concerning if they enlarge or appear in visible areas. At Calgary Vein & Laser, our specialists assess and remove lipomas safely using excision surgery, a simple in-office procedure that ensures complete removal and prevents recurrence. Recognizing the signs of a lipoma can help you seek proper care early and avoid confusion with other types of skin or soft tissue lumps. Learn how to identify lipomas and when to consider medical treatment — or contact Calgary Vein & Laser for a professional evaluation today.
Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths composed of fat cells that sit just beneath the skin’s surface. They are the most common type of soft tissue tumour and can occur anywhere on the body, though they are most often found on the shoulders, neck, arms, back, and thighs.
Typically, lipomas are soft to the touch, move easily when pressed, and are usually painless. They tend to grow slowly over months or years and rarely become serious. Although they can occur at any age, lipomas are most common in adults between 40 and 60 and may run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
While lipomas are harmless, some people choose to have them removed due to discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic reasons — especially if the lump grows larger or presses against nearby tissue.
Identifying a lipoma can be difficult without medical assessment, as other types of lumps — such as cysts or enlarged lymph nodes — can look similar. However, lipomas have a few distinct characteristics that help differentiate them:
Lipomas can vary in size from a pea to several centimetres across. While small ones often remain stable, others can grow large enough to cause pressure or visible bulging beneath the skin.
Because many skin and soft-tissue lumps can look alike, it’s always best to have any persistent or enlarging lump evaluated by a qualified clinician. Professional diagnosis ensures the growth is truly benign and not something requiring more urgent attention.
You should schedule an assessment if:
At Calgary Vein & Laser, our medical team uses physical examination and, when necessary, ultrasound imaging to confirm that a lump is a lipoma before recommending treatment.
While small, symptom-free lipomas don’t always require removal, some patients choose to treat them for comfort or appearance. The most effective and permanent solution is excision surgery.
During this procedure, a small incision is made over the lump, and the fatty tissue — including its capsule — is carefully removed. The area is then closed with fine sutures. Because the entire lipoma is extracted, recurrence is rare. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
After excision, the area typically heals within one to two weeks. If mild redness or scarring occurs, laser treatment can be used to refine skin tone and improve the cosmetic result.
Even though lipomas are benign, not every lump under the skin is a lipoma. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary worry — or, worse, delayed treatment if the growth turns out to be something different. Professional evaluation ensures peace of mind and allows for safe, complete removal if needed.
At Calgary Vein & Laser, excision surgery is performed with precision and care, combining medical expertise with aesthetic consideration to deliver smooth, natural-looking outcomes.
Lipomas are harmless but can become frustrating or uncomfortable over time. If you’ve noticed a soft, movable lump that hasn’t gone away, professional evaluation is the best way to confirm what’s happening and decide whether removal is right for you. Calgary Vein & Laser offers safe, effective excision surgery to remove lipomas completely and restore your comfort and confidence. To learn more or book a consultation, contact us today.
A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign fatty lump that forms under the skin. It’s soft, movable, and typically painless. Contact Calgary Vein and Laser today to book an appointment for lipoma treatment.
No. Lipomas are non-cancerous and usually harmless, but they may be removed if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concern.
Lipomas feel soft and move easily under the skin. However, only a medical professional can confirm this through examination or imaging.
Take the first step toward confidence! At Calgary Vein & Laser, we provide advanced treatments to improve vein health and enhance skin radiance. Rid yourself of varicose veins and rejuvenate your skin's complexion by booking your free consultation today—your journey to healthier veins and radiant skin starts here!
