How to treat lipomas

Generally, treatment options for lipomas mainly include regular observation, surgical excision, laser therapy, liposuction, and medication-assisted therapy. Specific details are as follows:

1. Regular Observation

For small lipomas that cause no obvious discomfort and grow slowly, regular observation is usually recommended. Patients should follow their doctor's advice to visit the hospital periodically for checkups, using ultrasound or other methods to monitor changes in the size and number of lipomas. If no abnormalities occur over time, special intervention may not be necessary, thus avoiding the physical burden associated with overtreatment.

2. Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is a common method for treating lipomas, particularly suitable for large-sized tumors, rapidly growing lesions, or those causing pain or compressing surrounding tissues (such as nerves or organs). During surgery, the doctor completely removes the lipoma under local anesthesia. The removed tissue is then examined pathologically to confirm its nature. This approach thoroughly eliminates the lesion and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses high-energy heat from a laser to target lipoma tissue, causing coagulation and necrosis of fat cells, which are subsequently gradually absorbed by the body. This method is suitable for small, superficially located lipomas. It involves minimal trauma, little bleeding, and a relatively short recovery period after surgery. Additionally, scarring is less noticeable, making it ideal for patients concerned about cosmetic outcomes.

4. Liposuction

Liposuction involves making a tiny incision at the site of the lipoma and inserting a cannula to suction out the fatty tissue within the tumor using negative pressure. This method works well for cases where the subcutaneous fat layer is thick and the lipoma has clear boundaries. Recovery is relatively fast, and damage to surrounding healthy tissues is minimal. However, only the fatty content can be removed—complete removal of the lipoma capsule is not possible, so there remains a certain risk of recurrence.

5. Medication-Assisted Therapy

Currently, there are no specific drugs specifically approved for lipoma treatment. In some cases, softening and dispersing traditional Chinese medicines such as Xiao Jin Wan or Nei Xiao Luo Li Wan may be used under medical guidance. These medications might help alleviate local discomfort caused by lipomas to some extent but cannot completely eliminate them. They are primarily used as adjunctive therapies alongside other treatment methods.

In addition, during treatment, patients should choose appropriate methods according to medical advice. After procedures, it’s important to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased pain at the surgical site, or recurrence of the lipoma occur, prompt medical review is necessary, and doctors will adjust subsequent management plans accordingly. Meanwhile, in daily life, patients should maintain a healthy weight, reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, avoid chronic sleep deprivation, and create favorable conditions for bodily recovery.