What are the 3 stages of lipomas?

Lipomas may be extremely common, benign (non-cancerous) growths that are harmless and present minimal issues, but here at SKINSCAR Clinic, we see countless patients wanting to get these fatty deposits removed. A lipoma can after all look particularly unsightly, especially if it is large in size or located on a visible part of the body – they’re commonly found on the forehead, neck and shoulders for instance.

The removal of lipomas is generally straightforward, and as a result, the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. How simple the removal process is however depends on which stage your lipoma is at. Read on to discover more about the three stages of lipomas.

Stage 1

This is the earliest stage of lipoma, with the tumour made up of what medical professionals call ‘viable’ lipocytes or fat cells. These are the simplest to remove, with the lipoma showing no signs of necrosis or calcification.

Necrosis is the term used to describe the death of body tissue, which can result following trauma, poor blood circulation or inflammation when it comes to fatty tissue. Calcification refers to the hardening of the tissue, which can disrupt your wider body’s natural processes. Both of these side effects make the surgical removal of the affected lipoma more complex.

Stage 2

Stage 2 lipomas are made up of a mixture of viable fat cells and necrotic or calcified fat. This can complicate surgery. Their removal is possible however, with excision the surgical treatment of choice for most, and able to be completed under local anaesthetic.

Stage 3

If your lipoma has been diagnosed as stage 3, it is at its most advanced. While it can still be removed, greater care will need to be taken to extract every part of the affected tissue, which may be impacted by necrosis, calcification, cyst formation and reactive woven bone formation at this stage.

Looking for further advice on lipoma removal?

Then you’re in the right place! Here at SKINSCAR Clinic, we provide several skin and scar treatments, including lipoma removal.

Whether your lipoma is increasing in size, causing discomfort or affecting your self-confidence due to its cosmetic appearance, we can help. Our experts have experience treating and surgically removing lipomas at all stages, and can assist you with a personalised treatment plan. It all starts with a consultation; book yours today by contacting our team.