If you’ve discovered a soft, movable lump beneath your skin, you might be dealing with a lipoma—one of the most common benign growths that develop in adults. While lipomas are generally harmless and many people choose to simply monitor them, there are several compelling reasons why you might want to consider having one removed. Understanding when lipoma removal makes sense can help you make an informed decision about your health and wellbeing.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, Dr. Susan Spitzler and Dr. Emma Murad have extensive experience diagnosing and treating lipomas for patients throughout Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta metro area. Our board-certified dermatologists bring over 30 years of combined expertise to help you determine whether lipoma removal is the right choice for your specific situation. Let’s explore what lipomas are, why they develop, and the most common reasons patients choose to have them removed.

What Exactly Are Lipomas?

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fatty tissue that develop between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. They typically feel soft and doughy to the touch, move easily when you press on them with your finger, and grow slowly over time. Most lipomas are small—ranging from about the size of a pea to a few inches in diameter—though they can occasionally grow larger.

These fatty growths most commonly appear on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs, though they can develop almost anywhere on the body where fat cells exist. Lipomas usually develop during middle age, between 40 and 60 years old, though they can occur at any age. They’re more common than many people realize, affecting approximately one in every 1,000 people.

The exact cause of lipomas isn’t fully understood, but certain factors increase your risk of developing them. If lipomas run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them yourself, suggesting a genetic component. Some medical conditions are also associated with higher lipoma rates, including Dercum’s disease, Cowden syndrome, and Gardner’s syndrome. However, many people develop lipomas without any obvious risk factors or family history.

Importantly, lipomas are not cancerous and don’t transform into cancer. They’re distinctly different from liposarcomas, which are rare malignant tumors of fat tissue. At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, we can perform a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, a biopsy to confirm that your lump is indeed a benign lipoma and not some other type of growth that might require different treatment.

Reason #1: Physical Discomfort or Pain

While most lipomas are painless, some do cause discomfort or pain that impacts daily life. This happens most commonly when a lipoma grows large enough to press on nearby nerves, muscles, or other tissues. The pressure creates sensations ranging from mild tenderness to significant pain, especially when touched or during certain movements.

Lipomas that develop near joints can be particularly bothersome. A lipoma on your shoulder might cause discomfort when you carry a bag or wear a backpack. One near your elbow could interfere with arm movements. Lipomas on your back might hurt when you lean against chairs or lie down. Even small lipomas can cause pain if they’re located in areas subject to frequent pressure or friction.

Some lipomas contain an unusually high number of blood vessels, making them more sensitive and prone to pain. These vascular lipomas can be tender even without significant pressure. Others may develop in locations where they’re repeatedly bumped or irritated during normal activities, leading to chronic discomfort.

If your lipoma causes pain that interferes with your daily activities, sleep, exercise routine, or overall quality of life, removal is often the best solution. Once removed, the discomfort disappears completely, allowing you to return to normal activities without limitation.

Reason #2: Rapid Growth or Change in Characteristics

Most lipomas grow very slowly over months or years, and many stop growing once they reach a certain size. However, if your lipoma suddenly begins growing more rapidly than expected, this change warrants medical evaluation and potentially removal.

Rapid growth could indicate several things. Sometimes it simply means the lipoma has entered a more active growth phase. However, sudden changes in size, texture, or other characteristics should always be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out other types of growths that might require more urgent attention.

Similarly, if your lipoma becomes harder, more fixed in place (less mobile), or develops other unusual characteristics, these changes should prompt an examination. While lipomas themselves don’t become cancerous, any unusual changes in a skin growth warrant professional evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, Dr. Murad and Dr. Spitzler can assess any changes in your lipoma and determine whether removal or biopsy is advisable. In cases of rapid growth or concerning changes, removing the lipoma allows for complete pathological examination, providing definitive answers about the nature of the growth and ensuring your peace of mind.

Reason #3: Cosmetic Concerns and Self-Confidence

Even when lipomas don’t cause physical discomfort, they can significantly impact how people feel about their appearance. Visible lipomas—particularly those on the face, neck, arms, or other exposed areas—can be cosmetically bothersome and affect self-confidence.

Large lipomas can create noticeable bulges beneath clothing, making people feel self-conscious about their appearance. Some patients describe feeling embarrassed when others notice or ask about the lump, or find themselves constantly adjusting their clothing to minimize its visibility. This ongoing concern about appearance can affect social interactions, clothing choices, and overall confidence.

The emotional impact of visible lipomas shouldn’t be underestimated. Your appearance affects how you feel about yourself, and if a lipoma makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious, that’s a perfectly valid reason to consider removal. Modern dermatological techniques can remove lipomas with minimal scarring, and the resulting improvement in appearance and confidence can be life-changing.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, we understand that cosmetic concerns are just as important as medical ones. Our team approaches each case with compassion and attention to detail, ensuring that removal procedures are performed with careful consideration for aesthetic outcomes. We want you to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Reason #4: Interference with Movement or Function

Lipomas located near joints, muscles, or areas involved in frequent movement can interfere with normal function. Even if they’re not painful, they can restrict range of motion or create a sensation of pressure during certain activities.

A lipoma on your shoulder blade might limit your ability to reach behind your back. One near your hip could affect your gait or make certain exercises uncomfortable. Lipomas on the arms or legs might interfere with athletic performance or make wearing certain types of protective equipment difficult. In the workplace, lipomas in certain locations might interfere with job duties, particularly in physically demanding professions.

For athletes, dancers, or people with physically active lifestyles, even small lipomas can become problematic if they’re located in areas that experience repeated stress during activity. The lipoma might not hurt at rest but could cause discomfort during specific movements, limiting performance and enjoyment of physical activities.

Functional limitations caused by lipomas often worsen over time as the lipoma grows. What starts as a minor inconvenience can progress to genuine interference with daily activities. Removing the lipoma eliminates these functional restrictions and allows full, unrestricted movement.

Reason #5: Difficulty with Diagnosis or Uncertainty

Sometimes the most compelling reason to remove a lipoma is diagnostic uncertainty. While lipomas have characteristic features that experienced dermatologists can recognize through physical examination, not all soft tissue lumps are lipomas. Other types of growths can have similar appearances, and distinguishing between them sometimes requires tissue examination.

If there’s any question about whether your lump is truly a benign lipoma, removal followed by pathological examination provides a definitive diagnosis. This is particularly important if the lump has unusual characteristics, appeared suddenly, is growing rapidly, or feels different from typical lipomas.

Even when a lump appears to be a lipoma, some patients simply feel anxious about having an unexplained growth in their body. This anxiety can be persistent and distracting, affecting peace of mind. For these patients, removal and pathological confirmation that the growth is benign provides enormous psychological relief.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, we take diagnostic concerns seriously. If you’re worried about any growth on your body, we can perform a thorough examination, discuss our findings, and help you decide whether removal for diagnostic purposes makes sense. Having a definitive answer often provides invaluable peace of mind.

Reason #6: Practical Considerations

Beyond medical and cosmetic concerns, practical considerations sometimes make lipoma removal advisable. Lipomas in certain locations can interfere with medical procedures like imaging studies. A large lipoma might create shadows on X-rays or other scans, potentially obscuring other structures that doctors need to evaluate.

Some lipomas develop in locations where they’re subject to repeated trauma or irritation. A lipoma on your back might be constantly rubbed by chair backs or car seats. One on your waistline could be irritated by belts or waistbands. This repeated friction can make the lipoma tender or inflamed, even if it wasn’t originally painful.

For patients who require regular medical monitoring or treatment for other conditions, having lipomas removed can simplify future medical care. It eliminates the need to repeatedly explain and document the lipoma during examinations, and ensures that the lump won’t be confused with other potential health issues in the future.

The Removal Process

If you decide that lipoma removal is right for you, understanding the procedure can help alleviate any concerns. At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, lipoma removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in our comfortable Alpharetta office.

For most lipomas, the procedure involves making a small incision, removing the entire lipoma along with its capsule, and closing the incision with sutures. Local anesthesia ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, depending on the lipoma’s size and location.

Larger or deeper lipomas might require a slightly longer procedure, but most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days. Our dermatologists use careful surgical techniques designed to minimize scarring and optimize cosmetic outcomes.

After removal, the lipoma is typically sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that the entire growth has been removed. Complete removal of the lipoma including its capsule minimizes the chance of recurrence, though new lipomas can develop in other locations if you’re prone to them.

Making Your Decision

Deciding whether to have a lipoma removed is a personal choice that depends on your individual circumstances, concerns, and priorities. There’s no right or wrong answer—what matters is finding the solution that’s best for you.

If your lipoma causes pain, limits function, affects your confidence, or creates anxiety, removal can eliminate these concerns and improve your quality of life. Even if your lipoma isn’t causing problems now, you might choose to have it removed before it grows larger or becomes more bothersome.

At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. During your consultation, Dr. Spitzler or Dr. Murad will examine your lipoma, discuss your concerns, explain your options, and help you weigh the benefits and considerations of removal versus monitoring.

Expert Lipoma Care in Alpharetta

Whether you’re dealing with a lipoma that causes discomfort, affects your appearance, or simply worries you, professional evaluation and treatment are available close to home. At Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta, our board-certified dermatologists provide compassionate, expert care for lipomas and all types of skin, hair, and nail concerns.

Dr. Susan Spitzler and Dr. Emma Murad combine advanced training from prestigious institutions like Emory University with a genuine commitment to patient-centered care. Our practice focuses on providing the highest quality medical and cosmetic dermatology in a comfortable, welcoming environment where you’re treated like family.

We’re conveniently located in Alpharetta at 1725 Windward Concourse, Suite 120, just south of Halcyon where McGinnis Ferry Road crosses Georgia 400. Our state-of-the-art facility offers the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to ensure you receive the most effective, comfortable care possible.

If you have a lipoma or any other skin concern, we encourage you to contact Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta at (470) 731-8010 or schedule online to arrange a consultation. We’ll thoroughly evaluate your lipoma, answer all your questions, and help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Your skin health and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we’re here to help you look and feel your very best.