Frequently Asked Questions

A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that forms between your skin and the underlying muscle. They typically feel soft, doughy, and movable to the touch. Lipomas are very common and are almost always harmless, though they should be evaluated by a physician. Learn more on our lipoma excision page.

Dr. Ash performs lipoma excisions in-office under local anesthesia, so the area is fully numbed before the procedure begins. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the removal. Mild soreness afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

Most in-office lipoma excisions take between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Many patients drive themselves home afterward and return to normal activities within a day or two.

When the lipoma and its surrounding capsule are completely removed — which is Dr. Ash's standard approach — the chance of it recurring in the same spot is very low. However, some patients may develop new lipomas in other areas over time, as the tendency to form lipomas can be hereditary.

Common signs of a hernia include a visible bulge in the abdomen or groin, aching or pressure at the site (especially when lifting, coughing, or bending), and discomfort that worsens throughout the day. If you suspect you have a hernia, schedule a consultation so Dr. Ash can evaluate it properly.

No. Hernias do not heal or resolve on their own — they typically grow larger over time. While not all hernias need immediate surgery, most will eventually require repair. It's important to have a hernia evaluated to understand your options and prevent complications.

Recovery depends on the surgical approach. With laparoscopic or robotic-assisted repair, most patients return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Open repair typically requires 3 to 6 weeks of recovery. Dr. Ash will provide personalized recovery guidelines based on your procedure. Learn more on our hernia repair page.

Dr. Ash offers open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted hernia repair for inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and ventral hernias. She tailors the surgical approach to each patient's hernia type, size, location, and overall health to achieve the best possible outcome.

Both are minimally invasive techniques using small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and long instruments inserted through small incisions. Robotic-assisted surgery adds wristed instruments, 3D HD visualization, and tremor filtration for enhanced precision. Dr. Ash will recommend the approach best suited to your specific procedure.

It depends on the procedure. In-office lipoma excisions are same-day procedures — you go home shortly after. Many laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are also outpatient or require just one overnight stay. Dr. Ash will discuss what to expect for your specific procedure during your consultation.

Preparation varies by procedure. Dr. Ash provides detailed pre-operative instructions during your consultation, which may include fasting guidelines, medication adjustments, and what to arrange for your recovery at home. Her team is available to answer any questions before your procedure.