Why & How Compression Garment Improves Your Liposuction Results
Although wearing post-lipo compression garment may not be fashionable or comfortable, they significantly improve your final results. Here's why and how!
July 17, 2025
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WHAT IS A LIPOMA?
A lipoma is a benign tissue located just beneath the skin. It is composed of fat tissues and often round or oval-shaped; appearing anywhere but commonly found on areas such as the back, torso, arms, shoulders and neck.
A lipoma appears as a lump and often develops between the skin and the underlying muscle. To the touch, it feels soft and moves when slight pressure is applied. Made of fat, it is harmless, and although treatment generally isn't necessary, you may consider removing it if it is painful or growing. It is a soft, fatty lump under the skin.
How common are lipomas?
Lipomas are common and can affect persons of any age, even at birth, although it is more prevalent among people between 40 and 60. They are also more common in women.
Can I burst The lipoma myself?
Lipoma removal should be done by a qualified medical doctor who is trained and experienced in doing so.
Characteristics of a lipoma
Round or oval-shaped and symmetrical.
A large lipoma may appear as a dome-shaped lump.
Usually about 2 inches in diameter, but some can be as wide as 6 inches.
Located just beneath the skin and move when touched.
It does not spread to surrounding tissues, but it may cause pain or discomfort depending on their location, size and the presence of blood vessels.
Where Do Lipomas Grow?
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIPOMAS
Lipomas are made of fat, and some contain blood vessels and other tissues.
The different types of lipomas include:
Angiolipoma
An angiolipoma contains fat and blood vessels and is often painful.
Conventional
A conventional lipoma contains white fat cells, which store energy.
Most common type
Fibrolipoma
This lipoma type is made up of fat and fibrous tissue.
Hibernoma
A lipoma of this type contains brown fat.
Brown fat cells generate heat and help regulate body temperature.
Myelolipoma
This type of lipoma contains fat and tissues that produce blood cells.
Spindle cell
Fat cells in this type are longer than wide.
Pleomorphic
It contains fat cells of various sizes and shapes.
SYMPTOMS OF LIPOMA & RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING A LIPOMA
Most people who have lipoma don't experience any symptoms. It can, nonetheless, be uncomfortable when it's pressing against a nerve or develops near a joint. Some medical conditions may cause lipoma, and these include:
Dercum's disease (Adiposis Dolorosa)
A rare disorder that causes painful lipomas to grow, most often on the arms, legs and trunk.
The condition is also known as adiposis dolorosa or Anders' syndrome.
Image source: [2]
Gardner syndrome
A form of a disorder called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
It causes lipomas and also a range of other health problems.
Hereditary multiple lipomatosis
Hereditary multiple lipomatosis is inherited and also known as Familial Multiple Lipomatosis (FML).
Image source: The arm of a patient with FML [3]
Madelung's disease
Occurs in men who indulge in excessive alcohol consumption and risk developing this condition, also known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis.
The condition causes lipoma to form around the neck and shoulders.
Image source: [4]
Can lipoma turn cancerous?
Liposarcomas are cancerous tumours of the fat cells and are soft tissue sarcomas.
Very rarely does a lipoma turn into a cancerous sarcoma, but a doctor must be informed if there are changes to the lipoma or if new lumps develop.
The doctor will then schedule a biopsy to be done on a sample of the lipoma for further evaluation.
Is a lipoma a cyst or tumour?
Lipomas are considered to be benign tumours and are typically harmless. It grows slowly between the skin and the underlying muscle layer.
SKIN LIPOMA VS SKIN CYSTS VS BUFFALO HUMP
Scroll to view the table
| BUFFALO HUMP | SKIN CYSTS | SKIN LIPOMA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Accumulation of fat | Small skin lump or bump | A supple, doughy encapsulated lump of fat tissue that grows beneath the surface of the skin |
| Consistency & feel | Hump behind the shoulders | Round or dome-shaped bumps or lumps | Same colour as your skin and vary in size (Can be less than 1cm in diameter or 5cm); larger ones may grow around 15cm wide |
| Group of people affected | Common in postmenopausal women and older adults | In all age groups in children, men and women |
|
| Pain & other symptoms | X | An inflamed and infected cyst can cause tenderness and pain | Usually painless but may cause discomfort if it presses on a nerve or is in an awkward spot |
| Location | On the upper back, between the shoulder blades and back of the neck | Usually found on the face, neck, upper chest and upper back but can also appear on other body parts | Appear anywhere on the body and in multiple sites, typically on the back, torso, arms, shoulders and neck |
| Growth rate | Can develop rapidly or become noticeable only after months or years | Gradually develops over few weeks or months | Grows slowly over months or even years; you may notice it stays the same size for long periods |
| Medical condition | X | X | ✓ |
| Cancerous | X | X | X |
| Causes |
| Develops if the gland or its duct is blocked or damaged |
|
| Treatment | Liposuction | Local excision | Scans such as ultrasounds, tissue biopsy and lipoma removal surgery |
LIPOMA VS LIPOSARCOMA
Scroll to view the table
| LIPOSARCOMA | LIPOMA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A rare type of cancer that grows in the body’s fat cells; much deeper in the body, usually in the legs, arms or abdomen. |
|
| Consistency & feel | Feels firmer or more solid; tends to be fixed in place |
|
| Age group of people affected | Anyone can develop liposarcoma but people between 50 and 60 are most affected with men at greater risk than women. |
|
| Pain & other symptoms |
| Usually painless but may cause discomfort if it presses on a nerve or is in an awkward spot. |
| Types / Subtypes |
|
|
| Growth rate |
| Grows slowly over months or even years; you may notice it stays the same size for long periods |
| Medical condition | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cancerous | A malignant (cancerous) tumour. It can invade surrounding tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body. | A benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump that is harmless and doesn’t spread |
| Causes |
|
|
| Treatment | Scans such as Ultrasounds, CT Scan, MRI Scan, Surgery, biopsy, staging, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy under the care of respective specialist | Scans such as ultrasounds, tissue biopsy and lipoma removal surgery |
Medical Disclaimer: The only way to definitively know if a lump is a lipoma or a liposarcoma is through a thorough medical evaluation. Liposarcoma is a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and specialised treatment. If you notice a lump, especially one that is growing quickly, feels firm or fixed, is located deep, or causes pain, it is essential to consult a doctor without delay.
LIPOMA REMOVAL SURGERY: SAFE & EFFECTIVE
Discovering a lipoma can be concerning, but its removal is typically a Day Surgery procedure.
At Amaris B. Clinic, Dr Ivan Puah will guide you through every step for a smooth and a successful experience. Here’s what to expect during your lipoma removal journey.
INITIAL CONSULTATION: ASSESSMENT & PLANNING
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. Our doctor will discuss your medical history, any symptoms you're experiencing, and perform a thorough physical examination of the lipoma(s), assessing its size, location, depth, and consistency.
Diagnostic Imaging (If needed)
While most lipomas are superficial (within the subcutaneous fat layer) and diagnosed clinically, deeper lipomas or those with atypical features may require imaging. We may recommend an Ultrasound or, less commonly, an MRI scan to precisely map the lipoma's extent, relationship to surrounding structures (like nerves or muscles), and confirm the diagnosis before planning surgery.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, your doctor will discuss the recommended surgical approach, explain the procedure in detail, and address all your questions and concerns.
PRE-SURGERY PREPARATION
You will receive specific pre-operative instructions tailored to your health and the procedure.
This typically includes guidance on medications), fasting requirements, and what to wear/bring
on the day.
ON THE DAY OF Lipoma Removal Surgery IN SINGAPORE
Informed Consent
Before the procedure, your doctor will review the plan, potential risks (like infection, bleeding, scarring, rare recurrence), and benefits, ensuring you provide fully informed consent.
Local Anesthesia
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Dr Ivan Puah will carefully inject medication around the lipoma to completely numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the excision.
Surgical Excision
Once the area is fully anesthetised, Dr Puah will make an incision directly over or along the natural skin lines near the lipoma. Using meticulous surgical technique, the entire lipoma capsule is carefully dissected and removed.
Wound Closure
The incision is then closed with sutures.
Tissue Analysis
Excised lipoma is sent for histopathological examination to rule out any unexpected or atypical features.
Post-Surgery Recovery & Wound Care
Immediate Discharge
As lipoma removal is day surgery, you will be able to return home shortly after the procedure once you feel comfortable and any immediate post-anesthesia effects have worn off.
Detailed Aftercare Instructions
You will receive comprehensive instructions on caring for your wound.
Key points include:
- Wound Care: Keep the dressing clean, dry, and intact as directed. Avoid soaking the wound (baths, swimming pools) until fully healed.
- Activity: Rest on the day of surgery. You can typically resume light daily activities the next day. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that put tension or friction on the wound for at least 1 to 2 weeks, or as advised by your doctor.
- Pain Management: Mild discomfort is normal and usually manageable pain relief like Paracetamol.
Essential Follow-up Care
Stitch Removal
Amaris B. medical team will schedule stitch removal for you, typically 10 days post surgery.
Wound Check & Results
This follow-up allows your doctor to assess healing, remove stitches if non-dissolvable were used, and discuss the formal histopathology report confirming the diagnosis.
Long-term Healing
Continue to protect the incision from sun exposure (use SPF 50+) for several months to minimise scar darkening. Scars mature and soften over 6 - 12 months.
DO LIPOMAS GO AWAY ON THEIR OWN?
Lipomas will not go away without surgical intervention.
Most people have them removed for cosmetic reasons, while some are because of the discomfort and pain they cause. It is always best to get a doctor's advice to ascertain their true condition.
LIPOMA REMOVAL SURGERY COSTS IN SINGAPORE
For eligible patients in Singapore, lipoma removal surgery may be claimable through private health insurance or Medisave (subject to CPF Board criteria and the specifics of your policy/Medisave account). Our medical team will provide guidance on potential options based on your individual case and the planned surgery.
What affects the cost?
Your total surgical fees vary based on several factors such as:
- Your doctor’s experience
- Anaesthesia type (Local or general)
- Duration of anaesthesia
- Specific surgical techniques employed
- Facility charges (Hospital or day surgery)
- Your unique anatomy and tissue complexity
- Miscellaneous charges such as laboratory investigations, histology, etc
SEE OUR PATIENT CASES DURING YOUR PRIVATE CONSULTATION
We provide before-and-after photos privately during your one-on-one consultation with Dr Ivan Puah. You will be able to view anonymised images of actual patients who had undergone lipoma surgery.
This allows you to:
- Visualise potential outcomes specific to your condition
- Understand surgical approaches in detail
- Discuss realistic expectations for scarring, recovery, and results
Disclaimer: While these clinical visuals are shared in-clinic for your education, MOH strictly prohibits displaying before/after images in ANY public advertising (website, social media, brochures etc.). We fully comply to ensure ethical patient communication, no unrealistic outcome promises and protection of patient privacy. Visual examples are for educational reference only - individual results vary based on your unique condition.
Dr Ivan Puah
Dr Ivan Puah is an accredited liposuction doctor and Chairman of Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore in Singapore with over two decades of surgical body contouring experience.
He has completed fundamental and advanced Vaser Liposuction body sculpting surgical training under Dr John Milard and Dr Alfredo Hoyos in Argentina and Colorado.
Dr Puah is also trained in laserlipolysis (laser liposuction) in Italy and has received dedicated gynecomastia surgery training in San Francisco.
Lipoma removal via surgery is a definitive treatment. Suspect that you have lipoma? Contact us today for more information or further assistance.
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FAQ
Why do people get lipomas?
Lipomas often appear after an injury, although it cannot be firmly established that such trauma causes their formation. Genetics can play a part. For some, having a rare condition like Madelung's disease can affect their appearance.
Most people do not even realise they have lipomas, and most lipomas do not require treatment. A lipoma that is removed rarely experiences regrowth, but there is a chance of another developing at a different spot.
How are lipomas diagnosed?
A lipoma is commonly diagnosed via a physical examination. A biopsy may also be ordered to confirm that it is not cancerous. A sample of the lipoma will be removed and sent for a lab test to facilitate this.
A lipoma is sometimes mistaken to be a cyst. Confirmation may be needed in imaging tests such as an Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. These not only help in determining whether the growth is a lipoma or a cyst but also in determining the location and the depth of the growth.
The tests can also reveal whether the growth is pressing against the nerves or other tissues.
Can lipomas be prevented?
As lipomas are considered hereditary, it is not possible to prevent their growth.
When should I see my healthcare provider about lipomas?
You should see a doctor if you notice any growth or lump under the skin for a proper evaluation.
This is to rule out any possible serious conditions such as liposarcoma, a type of cancer. Liposarcoma and lipoma share similar signs.
Should I be concerned about lipomas?
Most lipomas do not cause issues, and many people can live with them. They can be unsightly, which drives an individual to seek removal treatment. However, if a lipoma causes discomfort or pain, it is highly recommended that an affected person approach a doctor for help. This also applies if the lipoma's size and location are of concern.
Do lipomas hurt when pressed?
If a lipoma is pressing on a nerve, it is generally painful, especially to the touch. The degree of pain varies; for some individuals, the pain comes and goes, while for others, it is constant.
Can exercise reduce lipomas?
No. Lipomas can only be removed via a surgical procedure.
Reference
[1] Peev I, Spasevska L, Mirchevska E, Tudzarova-Gjorgova S. Liposuction Assisted Lipoma Removal - Option or Alternative? Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Oct 14;5(6):766-770. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.186. PMID: 29104686; PMCID: PMC5661715.
[2] Molina, Juliana D'Andrea, Gisele Alborghetti Nai, Tatiana Cristina Pedro Cordeiro de Andrade, and Marilda Aparecida Milanez Morgado de Abreu. "Dercum's disease: a rare and underdiagnosed disease." Anais brasileiros de dermatologia 94 (2019): 251-253.
[3] CC-BY-SA-4.0
[4] Kostopoulos, Georgios & Tzikos, Georgios & Kostogloudis, Nikolaos & Toulis, Konstantinos. (2020). Madelung’s disease: a man with a phenotype suggestive of anabolic steroid use. 10.3205/gpras000054.
[5] Salam GA. Lipoma excision. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Mar 1;65(5):901-4. PMID: 11898962.
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