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Finding a soft lump under your skin can raise immediate questions, especially whether it might disappear on its own. Lipomas are common, benign fatty growths that typically grow slowly and remain harmless. However, many people wonder if they’ll eventually shrink or resolve without treatment. At Calgary Vein & Laser, we regularly assess lipomas and help patients understand when monitoring is appropriate and when removal may be the better option. While lipomas rarely pose health risks, knowing what to expect can provide peace of mind and prevent unnecessary worry. Learn whether lipomas can go away naturally, when to seek medical advice, and what treatment options are available. If you’re unsure about a lump, contact Calgary Vein & Laser for a professional evaluation.
A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth made up of fat cells that forms beneath the skin. Lipomas are typically soft, movable, and painless, and they tend to develop slowly over time. They most commonly appear on the shoulders, arms, back, neck, or thighs but can occur almost anywhere on the body.
Because lipomas are benign, they don’t spread to other tissues or turn into cancer. Many people live with them for years without symptoms, discovering them only by chance during daily activities like showering or changing clothes.
In most cases, lipomas do not go away on their own. Once a lipoma forms, it typically remains stable or grows gradually over time. Unlike inflamed skin conditions or temporary swelling, lipomas are made of mature fat cells enclosed in a thin capsule, which the body does not naturally break down or reabsorb.
Some lipomas may appear to shrink slightly if inflammation around the area decreases, but the fatty tissue itself usually remains. Weight loss does not cause lipomas to disappear, as they are not related to overall body fat distribution. Even in individuals who lose significant weight, lipomas tend to stay the same size or become more noticeable as surrounding fat decreases.
Because lipomas are benign, treatment is not always necessary. Many patients choose to monitor a lipoma rather than remove it, especially if it remains small and symptom-free.
Monitoring may be appropriate if the lipoma:
At Calgary Vein & Laser, we often recommend periodic observation for lipomas that meet these criteria. Professional evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and ensures there are no concerning features that require further investigation.
Although lipomas are usually harmless, any new or changing lump should be assessed by a medical professional. Some growths can resemble lipomas but may require different treatment.
You should seek evaluation if a lump:
In these cases, a physical exam — and occasionally ultrasound imaging — can help confirm whether the lump is a lipoma or another type of growth.
There are no proven non-surgical treatments that permanently remove lipomas. Creams, massage, injections, or home remedies do not dissolve fatty tissue encapsulated within a lipoma. Attempting to manipulate or compress a lipoma at home can cause irritation or inflammation without removing the growth.
The only definitive way to remove a lipoma is through excision surgery, which physically removes the fatty tissue and its capsule.
Many patients choose lipoma removal even when the growth is benign. Common reasons for removal include:
At Calgary Vein & Laser, lipomas are removed using excision surgery, a minor in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a small incision is made, and the lipoma is carefully removed in its entirety to prevent recurrence.
Most patients return to normal activities shortly after treatment, with healing typically completed within one to two weeks. If minor redness or scarring occurs, laser treatment may be recommended after healing to improve skin texture and tone.
Because lipomas don’t disappear on their own, it’s important to know whether a lump is something that can be safely monitored or should be removed. Self-diagnosis isn’t always reliable, and delaying evaluation can lead to unnecessary worry or discomfort.
Calgary Vein & Laser provides accurate assessment and clear guidance, helping patients decide whether observation or treatment is the best option based on their individual situation.
Lipomas rarely resolve without treatment, but they don’t always require immediate removal. Understanding what’s normal, and when to act, can help you make informed decisions about your skin health. Calgary Vein & Laser offers professional lipoma evaluation and safe, effective excision surgery when removal is recommended. If you’ve noticed a lump that isn’t changing or simply want clarity, contact us today to schedule an assessment and get trusted medical guidance.
No. Lipomas do not typically disappear without treatment. Once they form, they usually remain the same size or grow slowly over time. Have a Lipoma you need removed? Contact Calgary Vein and Laser today for effective Lipoma removal.
Lipomas are benign and non-cancerous. They rarely cause medical issues but may become uncomfortable or bothersome depending on their size or location.
Slow growth is common, but rapid enlargement or changes in texture should be evaluated by a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis.
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.
Lipoma Removal | Why Do Lipomas Form? | Causes and Risk Factors
