In-Office Lipoma Excision in Austin, TX

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign fatty lump that forms between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. Lipomas are among the most common soft tissue growths, affecting roughly 1 in every 1,000 people. They typically feel soft, doughy, and movable to the touch.

While lipomas can develop anywhere on the body, they're most commonly found on the:

• Neck and shoulders
• Back and abdomen
• Arms and thighs
• Forehead

Most lipomas are small — usually less than two inches across — though they can grow larger over time. They are almost always benign, but any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a physician.

When Should a Lipoma Be Removed?

Many lipomas don't require treatment. However, Dr. Ash may recommend removal if the lipoma:

• Is growing or has become noticeably larger
• Causes pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Is in a visible or cosmetically bothersome location
• Restricts movement or presses on nearby nerves
• Is something you'd simply like removed for peace of mind

Even if a lipoma isn't causing problems now, some patients prefer proactive removal before it grows larger, which can make the procedure more involved.

In-Office Excision: A Convenient, Comfortable Option

One of the advantages of having your lipoma removed by Dr. Ash is the convenience of an in-office procedure. Unlike many surgical practices that require a trip to the hospital or surgery center, Dr. Ash performs lipoma excisions right in her Southwest Austin office using local anesthesia.

This means:

• No general anesthesia — you remain awake and comfortable throughout
• No hospital visit or facility fees
• Quick procedure — typically 20 to 45 minutes
• Same-day — most patients drive themselves home afterward
• Lower cost compared to hospital-based procedures

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Your lipoma excision begins with a consultation where Dr. Ash examines the growth, discusses your options, and answers any questions. When you're ready to proceed, here's what a typical in-office excision looks like:

1. The area around the lipoma is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia
2. A small incision is made over the lipoma
3. Dr. Ash carefully separates and removes the entire growth, including its capsule
4. The incision is closed with sutures

Removing the complete capsule is important — it significantly reduces the chance of the lipoma recurring in the same location.

Recovery After Lipoma Removal

Recovery from an in-office lipoma excision is typically straightforward:

• Most patients return to desk work and daily activities within 1 to 2 days
• Mild soreness or bruising is normal and usually resolves within a week
• Sutures are typically removed at a follow-up visit 7 to 14 days after the procedure
• Strenuous activity should be avoided for about 2 weeks

Dr. Ash provides detailed aftercare instructions and is available if any questions come up during your recovery.