Understand your options for a bothersome lump beneath the skin.
A lump beneath the skin can raise questions even when it doesn’t hurt. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery evaluates suspected lipomas and helps you decide whether monitoring or removal makes sense for your symptoms and goals.
Contact our team to arrange an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C. We welcome patients from Oshkosh, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac and surrounding communities. Confirm where your evaluation and procedure will take place when scheduling.
A lipoma is a benign growth of fatty tissue, often found just beneath the skin. It may feel soft and move slightly when touched. Not every lump is a lipoma, so an examination is important before treatment. Tell your provider when the lump appeared and whether its size, firmness or comfort has changed.
Reasons to arrange a visit
When removal is appropriate, surgical excision takes the growth out through an incision. The plan depends on its size, depth and location. A large, deep or unusual lump may need imaging or additional evaluation before treatment. Your provider will discuss whether an office procedure is suitable.
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR VISIT?
1. Evaluate. Review the growth, symptoms, medical history and any prior testing.
2. Discuss. Talk through observation, testing or treatment, expected healing and costs.
3. Plan. Arrange the procedure or any further evaluation, then review follow-up.
Bring your medication list and any biopsy reports. Tell us about blood thinners, allergies and previous healing problems.
Bruising, tenderness and swelling may occur after removal. Follow your instructions for dressing care, activity and follow-up. Light activity and strenuous exercise have different recovery requirements; ask when you can return to your usual work and fitness routine.
You will receive instructions specific to your care. Contact the office with concerns about worsening pain, redness, drainage or bleeding. Do not stop prescribed medications without instructions from your treating clinician.
Tell your provider about other growths or skin concerns you would like addressed. Whether treatments can be combined depends on the diagnosis, location, available time and healing needs.
BBL or MOXI for surrounding sun damage may be discussed separately after the lesion is evaluated and your provider confirms the timing is appropriate. These treatments do not replace a needed biopsy or skin cancer surgery.
We accept many insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your estimate depends on the evaluation, procedure, size and location of the growth, and any laboratory testing.
Medically necessary treatment may be covered, subject to your plan’s terms, deductible, copay and any authorization requirements. Cosmetic removal may not be covered. Verify your provider’s network status with your insurer.
Call 920-233-1540 to discuss the next step.
Your care starts with evaluating the growth and recommending an appropriate plan. When removal is recommended, we discuss the approach, closure and expected healing.
Our practice offers office-based procedural care for a range of medical and cosmetic skin concerns, with wound care guidance and follow-up. Schedule an evaluation with Jay Garrow, PA-C, and bring your questions.
No. Some confirmed lipomas can be monitored. Removal may be considered for discomfort, growth or cosmetic concerns after an evaluation.
Yes. Mention all of the areas you want assessed when scheduling. Whether several can be treated together depends on their characteristics and the treatment plan.
Not every lump needs imaging. Your provider may recommend it when the growth is large, deep, unusual or difficult to identify by examination.
Recurrence is possible, although many surgically removed lipomas do not return. A new lump can also develop in another location.
Same-day treatment may be possible when it is medically appropriate, sufficient time is available and insurance requirements allow it. Self-pay procedures may also be performed at the first visit when appropriate. An evaluation does not guarantee same-day removal.
We strongly recommend pathology examination of removed growths when a specimen is obtained. It helps confirm the diagnosis. Your provider will explain when testing is medically necessary and whether declining it is appropriate. The laboratory may bill separately; ask about charges before treatment.
Removing skin creates a wound, and healing creates a scar. Its appearance depends on the method, location and your healing. Your provider will discuss closure, aftercare and possible color changes. Scar-free results cannot be guaranteed.
Confirm the location of your evaluation and any procedure with our scheduling team. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has offices in Oshkosh and Appleton; availability depends on the service and provider.
Let’s discuss your next step. Get your questions answered and understand your treatment options.