When is the removal of a lipoma or atheroma necessary?

Removal is necessary if the growth causes discomfort, becomes inflamed, or is aesthetically bothersome. The decision is made after a medical assessment.

Can lipomas or atheromas become malignant?

In most cases, lipomas and atheromas are benign and remain harmless. However, it is advisable to have unusual changes such as rapid growth or inflammation examined by a doctor to rule out potential risks.

How is the removal performed?

The removal is usually a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia at our clinic. The procedure is mostly painless and takes only a few minutes.

Are there any risks associated with the removal of lipomas or atheromas?

As with any procedure, there is a slight risk of infection or scarring, but these are rare and usually uncomplicated.

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Lipomas and atheromas

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shirin Milani / Dr. Veith Moser — Specialists in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (Austrian Medical Chamber)Last updated: 26.03.2026

Our skin can sometimes be affected by changes that, although not life-threatening, are cosmetically disturbing. These include so-called soft tissue tumors such as atheromas or lipomas. Atheromas, which are also colloquially known as sacs, are benign cysts of the subcutaneous tissue in the area of the hair follicles. These are filled with sebum and skin cells and usually form on the scalp, face, neck region, intimate area or between the stomach and chest.

Treatments

Lipomas and atheromas

Removal of aesthetically unsightly soft tissue tumors

If left untreated, these sebaceous cysts can grow to the size of a chicken egg and are considered unsightly by those affected. perceived as aesthetic and disturbing. A blockage of the sebaceous gland duct is usually responsible for its development. If sebum can no longer drain away sufficiently but continues to be produced, an atheroma occurs due to swelling of the hair root. As a rule, this skin elevation is painless and elastic, but in some cases it can become inflamed (e.g. through manipulation, which should be avoided at all costs) and become infected with purulence. In these cases, the contents should definitely be removed surgically.

Lipomas are benign, slowly growing fatty tissue neoplasms in the subcutaneous tissue, which are mainly found in the head and neck region , but also manifest in the back and shoulder area, on the arms, stomach and thighs. Unlike atheromas, these are fatty tissue tumors whose cause is largely unknown. These nodules or bumps are often clearly visible and can grow to a considerable size (up to 20cm). Although they do not cause pain, they are often perceived as cosmetically disturbing.

Weichteiltumorentfernung im Überblick

Duration of operation: depending on the location and size of the soft tissue tumor

Anesthesia: outpatient under local anesthesia

Sport: after 2 weeks

Before Surgery

For a period of around 14 days before the operation, you should avoid medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin, ASA, etc.), as these impair blood clotting.

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You should also largely avoid alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills. Nicotine can also reduce blood flow to organs and delay wound healing. Therefore, avoid nicotine two weeks before the operation and also during the wound healing phase.

After Surgery

If self-dissolving suture material is used, there is no need to remove the threads.

Surgery Highlights

Both the atheroma and the lipoma can usually be surgically removed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia using resection.

In the case of an atheroma, the duct and capsule are also removed, provided the cyst is not inflamed. nds or is purulently infected. In this case, only the contents are initially eliminated and the atheroma is completely removed at a later point in time.

Lipomas can usually be surgically “peeled out” relatively easily due to their clearly visible demarcation. (and in some cases remove using suction).

Scarring in both atheromas and lipomas depends on the size of the tumor or the length of the skin incision.

After the procedure, the removed tissue is subjected to a histological examination.

Possible Risks

Any swelling and discoloration caused by bruising in the surgical area will subside after about a week. Sometimes a feeling of numbness is felt in the area of the scar, but this also disappears after about two to three weeks.

Duration

30 min

FAQ

A lipoma is a benign fatty tissue tumor, while an atheroma is a sebaceous cyst caused by a blocked sebaceous gland. Both are usually harmless and can be removed if necessary.