Lipoma Removal
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
A lipoma removal is surgery to remove a lipoma. A lipoma is a benign (non cancer) tumor made up of fat tissue.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your stitches come apart.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your incision as directed:
Ask your healthcare provider when your incision can get wet. Do not take baths or get in hot tubs for 4 weeks or as directed. These actions can cause an infection. Carefully wash around the incision with soap and water. It is okay to let soap and water run over your incision. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Check your incision every day for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Self-care:
- Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding occurs. A small amount of bleeding from your incision is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Seek care immediately if you blood soaks through your bandage or becomes heavy.
- Rest as directed. Vigorous activity such as exercise can cause your stitches to come apart. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities.
- Apply ice on your incision for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Do not drive for 24 hours if you received general anesthesia. General anesthesia can make you feel drowsy and unable to focus. This makes it unsafe to drive.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You will need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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