Lipoma Removal
A procedure to remove lumps or problem tissue on the skin
What is Minor Skin Surgery
Minor Skin Surgery is a small surgical procedure to remove or correct lumps, excess tissue, nail problems, or certain growths on the skin.
The procedure usually uses local anesthesia, so the patient stays awake but the treated area is numbed. Most procedures can be done without an overnight stay, and the patient can go home the same day.
Minor Skin Surgery at GLOSKIN includes:
- Keloid Removal
- Lipoma Removal
- Nail Surgery
- Skin Tumor Removal
- Xanthelasma Removal
What Concerns Can It Address
Keloid Removal
For scars that grow thick, spread past the edge of the original wound, feel itchy or painful, or interfere with appearance and movement.
Lipoma Removal
To remove fatty lumps under the skin that usually feel soft, move easily, grow slowly, or have started to interfere with activity and appearance.
Nail Surgery
For ingrown nails, nails that are repeatedly inflamed, painful, pus-filled, changed in shape, or have problems that do not improve with regular care.
Skin Tumor Removal
To remove lumps or growths on the skin that the doctor has examined. The term “skin tumor” means a growth of tissue and does not always mean cancer.
Xanthelasma Removal
To reduce yellowish plaques or bumps around the eyelids that form from fat build-up under the skin.
How Does It Work
Before the procedure, the doctor examines the shape, size, location, depth, and possible cause of the complaint. If needed, the doctor can recommend additional tests or a tissue examination.
| Procedure | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Keloid Removal | Keloid tissue is carefully reduced or removed. Because keloids can grow back, the procedure usually needs to be followed by therapy to prevent recurrence. |
| Lipoma Removal | The doctor makes a small incision, then removes the fatty lump along with its surrounding capsule when possible. |
| Nail Surgery | Part or all of the problem nail is removed. In certain conditions, the nail root is also treated so that part of the nail does not grow back. |
| Skin Tumor Removal | The lump is removed with margins adjusted to its type and condition. The tissue can be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. |
| Xanthelasma Removal | The yellowish plaque can be removed through small surgery or other methods depending on the size, depth, and location around the eye. |
The wound is then closed with stitches or a dressing, depending on the type and extent of the procedure.
Who Is It For
Minor Skin Surgery can be considered for friends who:
- Have a skin lump that is growing or bothersome.
- Have a keloid that is itchy, painful, thick, or limits movement.
- Have a lipoma that feels uncomfortable or affects appearance.
- Have an ingrown nail or repeated nail inflammation.
- Have xanthelasma around the eyelids.
- Have a skin growth that needs to be removed or examined further.
- Are in a health condition that allows the procedure.
A lump that grows quickly, feels hard, does not move easily, bleeds easily, changes color, becomes a wound that does not heal, or causes pain needs to be examined first. Aesthetic procedures should not be done before the cause is confirmed.
How Long Is the Procedure and Recovery
The procedure usually takes about 30–90 minutes, depending on the type, size, number, depth, and location of the tissue treated.
| Time | What May Happen |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Mild pain, swelling, redness, or slight bleeding can occur. |
| Days 4–7 | The wound starts to dry and discomfort usually eases. |
| Days 7–14 | Stitches can be checked or removed, depending on the location and condition of the wound. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Most skin wounds start to heal and activity feels more comfortable. |
| Months 3–12 | The scar keeps changing, becomes flatter, and its color slowly fades. |
For Nail Surgery specifically, the wound can take about 2–6 weeks or more to heal. If the nail root is also treated, healing can take longer. Recovery time can differ for each patient, especially patients with diabetes, poor blood circulation, a smoking habit, or wound healing problems.
How Many Times Is It Needed
- Lipoma Removal: usually one procedure is enough if the lump can be removed completely.
- Skin Tumor Removal: usually done once, but any further procedure depends on the tissue examination result.
- Nail Surgery: usually once, but ingrown nails can still come back in some patients.
- Xanthelasma Removal: can be done once, but xanthelasma can reappear.
- Keloid Removal: usually needs follow-up treatment and check-ups, because surgery alone cannot always prevent a keloid from growing back.
When Do Results Start to Show
The lump or tissue treated is already reduced after the procedure. However, the early result is still affected by swelling, the wound, stitches, and the healing process.
- 1–2 weeks: the wound starts to close and swelling goes down.
- 2–6 weeks: the shape of the treated area starts to look clearer.
- 3–12 months: the scar matures and the result can be assessed better.
For keloids, the result needs to be monitored for longer because tissue thickening can come back. For xanthelasma, a blood lipid test may be needed because this condition is sometimes related to a fat metabolism disorder.
Does It Need to Be Combined with Other Treatments
It depends on the type of complaint and the doctor’s examination.
| Condition | Supporting Care | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Keloid | Keloid injection or laser as indicated | Helps flatten the keloid, reduce itching, and lower the risk of it growing back. |
| Lipoma | Tissue examination if needed | Confirms the type of lump removed. |
| Nail Surgery | Wound care and infection or fungus therapy if proven present | Helps healing and treats any accompanying cause. |
| Skin Tumor Removal | Histopathology (tissue examination) | Determines the type of tissue and whether further treatment is needed. |
| Xanthelasma | Lipid profile, blood sugar, and metabolic checks | Assesses possible health factors related to xanthelasma. |
What to Know Before and After the Procedure
Before the procedure:
- Tell the doctor about allergies, diabetes, clotting disorders, and any history of keloids.
- Tell the doctor about all medications and supplements you are using.
- Do not stop blood thinners without the approval of the doctor who treats you.
- Tell the doctor if the lump is growing quickly, bleeding, changing color, or very painful.
- Do not apply any medication or substance to the treatment area without the doctor’s guidance.
After the procedure:
- Keep the wound clean and dry as the doctor instructs.
- Do not remove the dressing or apply products without guidance.
- Avoid scratching, pressing, or picking at scabs.
- Limit strenuous exercise and movements that pull on the wound until it is declared safe.
- Take medication and come to check-ups as scheduled.
- Contact the clinic right away if the wound keeps bleeding, the pain gets worse, or there is pus, a bad smell, fever, or swelling that spreads.
Consult a GLOSKIN Doctor
The doctor examines whether your complaint can be treated with minor skin surgery or needs further tests and referral. The doctor explains the type of procedure, whether a tissue examination is needed, the anesthesia, the incision location, wound care, the risk of scarring, the chance of recurrence, and realistic results.