Lipoma Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fat cells that presents as a bump beneath the skin. Lipomas can develop essentially anywhere on the body where there is fat, with commonly affected areas including the upper back, shoulders, forearms, face, neck, and legs. (1) While most lipomas are technically harmless, they can cause aesthetic concerns, discomfort, or even nerve problems depending on their size and location.

If you are ready to get your lipomas removed and restore smoother skin, look no further than NYC Lipo! NYC Lipo is led by Dr. Elie Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and Dr. Jody Levine, a board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist. Dr. Elie Levine surgically removes lipomas using precise techniques, ensuring their permanent removal, extremely minimal scarring, and restored comfort and confidence. With both functional and cosmetic training, as well as fellowship training, Dr. Elie Levine understands the nuances of lipoma removal; he is well-known for his absolutely unparalleled results and excellent scar minimization techniques.

Lipoma removal may often be covered by insurance. To learn more, schedule a consultation online or call (800) 683-5476.

Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine see patients from all over the world! If you are travelling from out of town, they offer travelling accommodations for your convenience throughout your treatment.

About Lipomas

While the exact cause of lipoma development is not known, they are often linked to genetics. They are more commonly seen in patients between the ages of 40 and 60, but can be seen at any age. (1) It is circumscribed and often isolated by a fascia layer, separating it from normal subcutaneous fat. This is why they feel lumpy and movable under the skin during an exam.

Types of Lipomas

There are several different types of lipomas. Dr. Elie Levine will tailor your treatment accordingly. Some of the most common types include:

  • Conventional Lipoma: Conventional lipomas are the most commonly seen type of lipoma. These lipomas occur just beneath the skin and are soft to the touch.
  • Angiolipoma: Angiolipomas consist of fat and blood vessels. These lipomas are more likely to cause discomfort.
  • Fibrolipoma: Fibrolipomas are firmer lipomas that are composed of a mix of fat and fibrous tissues.

Why Choosing an Experienced Surgeon Matters

At first glance, lipoma removal may seem like a relatively straightforward procedure. However, lipomas often require many unique considerations regarding scarring, nearby nerves, and total removal, making removal more complex. When the lipomas are located in more delicate areas like the forearms, hands, or face, consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon is especially important.

Less experienced surgeons may be unable to effectively remove the entire lipoma. This can be problematic for the patient later on, as lipomas that are not fully and meticulously removed can actually grow back. Experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elie Levine is knowledgeable regarding the nerves that lipomas may be near, allowing for precise and safe removal. His functional and cosmetic training allows him to create stunningly smooth results that allow patients to feel more confident than ever. He employs excellent scar minimization techniques as well.

Candidates

You do not have to wait until a lipoma becomes painful to get it removed! Many patients undergo lipoma removal if the growths are causing a lumpy appearance in the affected area. If you have a lipoma or multiple lipomas that are bothering you for any reason, you might be a good candidate for lipoma removal. All patients should be in good general health, not smoke or be willing to quit, and have realistic expectations. During a consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will evaluate your candidacy and determine if the procedure is right for you.

In some cases, especially when lipomas are causing pain, discomfort, or nerve interference, surgical removal may be eligible for insurance coverage. Dr. Elie Levine can help you learn more about the insurance process regarding documentation, policy navigation, and more.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, you will meet with Dr. Elie Levine; he will examine your lipomas, discuss the surgical approach, and learn more about your medical history. He will also discuss the possibility of insurance coverage with you and help you navigate that process at this time.

Accommodations are available for out-of-state or international patients who cannot join Dr. Elie Levine in person for a consultation.

To schedule your consultation and learn more about your options, please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 683-5476.

Procedure

Most lipoma procedures take between 30 and 60 minutes to perform. (2) Dr. Elie Levine performs most lipoma removals using just local anesthesia, although this depends on the size and depth of the growths. (3)

Surgical Excision

Dr. Elie Levine will carefully outline the lipoma(s) using a skin-safe marker. He will then make a small incision along the precise markings. Through this incision, he will remove the entire lipoma to ensure that the same one will not return.

Liposuction

In certain cases, Dr. Elie Levine may perform liposuction to remove your lipoma. He will make a small incision over the lipoma, inject tumescent solution, then insert a thin cannula inside and suction out the fat. (4)

Recovery

After your lipoma removal, you may experience some minor swelling and tenderness in the treated areas. Dr. Elie Levine uses long-acting pain relief that will minimize any tenderness long after the procedure. Most patients can return to work and most of their normal activities as soon as the next day, with some minor considerations. Dr. Elie Levine’s precise and minimally invasive techniques allow patients to experience much faster healing and maximum comfort after their procedure.

Results

Dr. Elie Levine’s advanced incision closure techniques and scar minimization provide patients with exceptional, seamless results. Any visible scarring is extremely discreet thanks to Dr. Elie Levine’s expert incision closure and scar minimization techniques. Because Dr. Elie Levine makes sure to remove the entire lipoma during the procedure, his patients enjoy the peace of mind that their removed lipomas will not grow back.

NYC Lipo offers several nonsurgical treatments that can rejuvenate the skin and make scars even less visible. His patients feel more confident and comfortable after lipoma removal, even while wearing the most revealing clothing or swimwear.

Cost of Lipoma Removal in New York City

The cost of your lipoma removal procedure will vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. These can include the techniques used, the size of your lipoma, the number of lipomas removed, and more. After Dr. Elie Levine evaluates your lipoma(s) and plans your procedure, he will provide you with a quote for the procedure.

Depending on the details of your case and your insurance policy, insurance may cover the costs associated with your lipoma removal procedure! Dr. Elie Levine would be happy to help you navigate your coverage options during your personal consultation.

To learn more about insurance coverage and the general costs associated with lipoma removal, please contact NYC Lipo online or call (800) 683-5476.

FAQ

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fat cells, located beneath the skin. They are typically soft to the touch and painless, but certain lipomas can cause discomfort or pain depending on their size, type, and location. If they are located near nerves, they may cause nerve compression, resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling.

How does Dr. Elie Levine remove lipomas at NYC Lipo?

Dr. Elie Levine can remove your lipoma using either surgical excision or liposuction. The techniques used during your procedure will vary depending on the size, type, and location of your lipoma. Surgical excision is the more common approach.

What type of anesthesia does Dr. Elie Levine use during lipoma removal?

Dr. Elie Levine typically performs lipoma removal using local anesthesia.

Will my lipoma return after my procedure?

Not necessarily. It is rare for the same lipomas to return after full and complete removal. Dr. Elie Levine expertly removes the entire lipoma, avoiding this risk. However, it is possible for different lipomas to occur near the treated area.

What is a lipoma made out of?

Lipomas primarily consist of fat cells. Different types of lipomas can also include other types of tissues, such as blood vessels or fibrous tissues.

References

  1. Kolb L, Siva, Rosario-Collazo JA. Lipoma. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507906/#article-24318.s4
  2. Sakamoto A, Matsuda S. Minimally Invasive Resection of a Large Subcutaneous Lipoma. JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques. 2024;14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.2106/jbjs.st.23.00012
  3. Peev I, Spasevska L, Mirchevska E, Tudzarova-Gjorgova S. Liposuction Assisted Lipoma Removal – Option or Alternative? Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2017;5(6):766-770. doi:https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2017.186
  4. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/