Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
A lipoma is a common, usually noncancerous growth made up of fatty tissue that develops beneath the skin. Lipomas are typically soft, movable, and painless, although some may become uncomfortable, noticeable, or bothersome depending on their size and location.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and lipoma removal in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates each growth based on its size, location, appearance, symptoms, and individual characteristics when determining whether removal is appropriate.
Schedule a Lipoma Removal Consultation
Lipoma removal procedures are scheduled by phone. Call our office to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next step.
Call: 202-737-6800A lipoma is a benign growth made up primarily of fatty tissue that develops beneath the skin.
Lipomas are usually:
They can develop on many areas of the body and may range from small to several centimeters in size.
Most lipomas are harmless and do not require treatment. However, removal may be considered when a lipoma becomes uncomfortable, continues to grow, is located in a noticeable area, or causes other concerns.
Lipomas can develop almost anywhere there is fatty tissue beneath the skin.
Common locations include:
The location and characteristics of a growth can help a dermatologist determine whether it appears consistent with a lipoma.
A lipoma often appears as a soft lump beneath the skin.
It may:
Not every lump beneath the skin is a lipoma. Other growths can have similar characteristics, which is why evaluation is important when the diagnosis is uncertain.
The exact cause of most lipomas is not known.
Some lipomas may occur in families, and certain genetic conditions can cause multiple lipomas to develop.
Lipomas are not generally considered to be caused by being overweight. They can occur in people of different body types.
If you notice a new or changing lump beneath the skin, a dermatologist can evaluate it and determine whether it appears consistent with a lipoma or another type of growth.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if a lump:
Most lipomas are benign, but a new or changing lump should not automatically be assumed to be a lipoma.
Many lipomas do not require removal.
Removal may be considered when a lipoma:
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the growth and discuss whether removal is appropriate based on its characteristics and your individual concerns.
A lipoma can often be evaluated through a physical examination.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
If the growth has unusual characteristics or the diagnosis is uncertain, additional evaluation may be recommended.
The goal is to distinguish a likely lipoma from other types of skin or soft-tissue growths.
Lipoma removal is a procedure used to remove a bothersome or otherwise appropriate lipoma from beneath the skin.
The specific approach depends on factors such as:
When appropriate, removal may involve numbing the area with local anesthesia, creating an incision, removing the lipoma, and closing the treatment area.
Dr. Holmes will discuss the appropriate procedure based on the individual growth.
When surgical removal is appropriate, the area is generally numbed with local anesthesia.
The procedure may involve:
The exact technique depends on the size, location, and characteristics of the lipoma.
Lipoma removal is generally performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
You should not feel significant pain during the procedure, although you may experience pressure or movement.
Some tenderness, swelling, bruising, or discomfort may occur after the procedure as the area heals.
Dr. Holmes will provide instructions for caring for the treatment area after removal.
The time required for lipoma removal varies depending on the size and location of the growth and the technique used.
Smaller lipomas may require less time, while larger or more complex growths may require additional time.
Your expected procedure time can be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery varies depending on the size and location of the lipoma and the type of removal performed.
Temporary symptoms may include:
You will receive instructions regarding wound care and activity following the procedure.
Following your post-procedure instructions can help support proper healing.
Any procedure involving an incision can result in a scar.
The appearance of a scar can depend on:
Dr. Holmes considers the location and characteristics of the growth when discussing treatment and expected healing.
Patients with skin of color may experience temporary changes in pigmentation following inflammation, injury, or surgical procedures.
A healing incision may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Individual scar formation can also vary.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when planning treatment and discussing healing.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
A lipoma that has been removed may sometimes recur, although many do not.
If a new lump develops in the same area or another lump appears elsewhere, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine whether it represents a recurrent lipoma or another type of growth.
Not every lump beneath the skin is a lipoma.
Other growths can include:
Some growths can feel similar to a lipoma, which is why professional evaluation is important when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Learn more about Growth Evaluation & Removal →
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you have a lump that:
A dermatologist can evaluate the growth and determine whether it appears consistent with a lipoma and whether removal or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Individualized Evaluation
of lipomas and other skin or soft-tissue growths
Personalized Treatment Planning
based on the size, location, and characteristics of each growth
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Scarring
with consideration for individual skin characteristics
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for lipomas, cysts, and other skin growths. When lipoma removal is appropriate, Dr. Holmes considers the characteristics and location of the growth, the patient's symptoms and concerns, and factors that may affect treatment and healing.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating and treating skin growths.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a lump that is growing, painful, bothersome, or otherwise concerning, a dermatology evaluation can help determine what it may be and whether removal is appropriate.
Schedule a Lipoma Removal Consultation in Washington, DC
