Lipoma Removal

How are lipomas removed?

Lipomas — benign fatty lumps — are removed whole under local anesthetic through the shortest incision the lump allows, closed in layers for the smallest possible scar. Dr. Wai-Yee Li removes them in the office, serving Arcadia, Pasadena, and South Pasadena.

A lipoma is a benign lump of fatty tissue under the skin — harmless, but often annoying, visible, or tender where clothing presses. Removal is a short procedure under local anesthetic, with a plastic surgeon's attention to leaving the smallest possible scar.

What removal involves

Local anesthetic only — the area is numbed; you are awake, comfortable, and drive yourself home after.
A small, planned incision — Dr. Li removes the lipoma whole through the shortest incision the lump allows, placed along the skin's natural lines.
Layered closure — the same reconstructive closure technique she uses in breast surgery, so the scar heals as a fine line.
Pathology when appropriate — removed tissue can be sent for confirmation, with results explained plainly.

One visit, or several lipomas at once

Multiple lipomas can often be removed in a single visit — worth raising at consultation so the session is planned with enough time.

Serving Arcadia, Pasadena, and South Pasadena

In-office removal under local anesthetic means no hospital and no surgery-center scheduling — a straightforward procedure done well, close to home.

To have a lipoma assessed and removal planned, book a consultation or call 626.888.9728.

Frequently asked questions

Are lipomas dangerous?

Lipomas are benign fatty lumps. They are removed because they are visible, tender, or growing — and removed tissue can be sent to pathology for confirmation, with results explained plainly.

Can several lipomas be removed at once?

Usually yes — mention it at consultation so the session is planned with enough time.

Does removal leave a scar?

Any excision leaves a mark; the goal is the smallest one possible. Dr. Li removes the lipoma through the shortest incision it allows, placed along the skin's natural lines and closed in layers so it heals as a fine line.

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›