Even small, benign growths can alter how you feel about your appearance or cause physical discomfort. Lipomas (fatty tumors beneath the skin) and cysts (fluid-filled or keratin-filled pockets) are common soft-tissue lesions that can develop anywhere on the body, most often the face, neck, back, or shoulders.
Brad Gandolfi MD, performs each removal with surgical precision and aesthetic sensitivity. Dr. Gandolfi’s goal is to completely remove the growth and its capsule to prevent recurrence while minimizing visible scarring through delicate closure techniques. As a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he approaches every case as a blend of medicine and design, ensuring healthy, smooth, and natural-looking results. If you would like to have your lipoma evaluated or removed for any reason, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brad Gandolfi will assess your mass and offer multiple options for treatment and removal.
Lipomas are round or oval-shaped lumps of tissue that grow just below the surface of the skin. Made of fat, lipomas usually move easily when touched and typically do not cause any pain. These growths may appear anywhere on your body, but are most commonly found on the back, torso, arms, or neck. Most lipomas are not dangerous. However, some may cause discomfort based on their location, and when large or deep, there is a risk of degeneration into cancer.
Lipoma and cyst removal is a minor surgical procedure designed to completely excise the growth and the capsule that surrounds it. Removing the capsule reduces the chance of recurrence. Dr. Gandolfi performs each procedure under local or general anesthesia (depending on your preference and the area of concern) in the office or outpatient surgical suite. He meticulously plans incisions along natural skin folds or crease lines for the most discreet healing possible.
Lipoma removal surgery addresses various conditions, including:
Your journey will begin with a phone call from a member of our team, providing a chance to discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals. You will also be invited to schedule your consultation.
Upon your arrival at our clinic, Dr. Gandolfi will conduct a physical evaluation and discuss the procedure further with you. You will also have a chance to ask questions and learn more about options for sedation and pain management. The consultation usually lasts around half an hour.
Dr. Gandolfi may recommend the surgical removal of your lipoma. These procedures are done both in the office under local anesthesia (numbing shots) or in the operating room, depending on the extent of the procedure and patient preference. Dr. Gandolfi will seek incision placements that minimize scarring, carefully removing the lipoma tissue.
You may also have the option of having a lipoma removed through liposuction. With this minimally invasive method, Dr. Gandolfi will provide a local anesthetic and then insert a long, thin needle into the lipoma, extracting fatty tissue from the growth. For larger lesions or facial areas where precision is crucial, Dr. Gandolfi may employ magnification and layered closure techniques to maintain contour and symmetry.
Lipoma removal surgery addresses various conditions, including:
Lipomas and cysts can occur anywhere on the body, but Dr. Gandolfi most commonly treats the:
For facial lesions, Dr. Gandolfi uses micro-surgical techniques to conceal scars within natural lines and maintain skin texture continuity.
The goal of lipoma removal extends beyond removing a lump. It’s about restoring a smooth, confident appearance with minimal evidence of surgery. Patients can expect:
Because Dr. Gandolfi specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, each excision is performed with the same care and attention given to aesthetic procedures.
You may be a good candidate for lipoma removal if you have a lump that is:
During your consultation, Dr. Gandolfi will evaluate the growth and may recommend a simple in-office excision or a minor outpatient procedure depending on the growth’s location and complexity.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with offices in New York City and Englewood, NJ. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and is a member of The Aesthetic Society, a by-invitation-only society for doctors with experience and excellence in cosmetic surgery. He obtained his plastic surgery degree at Duke University Medical Center and spent additional training in facial surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Gandolfi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
Before you are discharged, you will receive all the instructions you need concerning recovery and care for your incision site. Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours. Mild swelling or tenderness is normal and resolves within a few days. Dr. Gandolfi provides specific aftercare instructions, including how to care for the incision and minimize scarring. By adhering to these guidelines, you can minimize the visibility of scarring and promote optimal results. Some bruising and swelling should be anticipated following lipoma removal. These symptoms will subside within a few days and can be managed with cold compresses.
Sutures are usually removed within a week, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Once healed, the skin surface is smooth, and recurrence is rare when the entire capsule has been excised.
Results are both immediate and lasting. Once the growth is removed, the treated area appears flatter, smoother, and more balanced with the surrounding skin. As the incision heals, the scar softens and fades, leaving little evidence of surgery. Dr. Gandolfi’s precise closure techniques create natural-looking outcomes that restore both comfort and confidence.
Looking for a skilled plastic surgeon who can carefully remove your lipoma, alleviating discomfort and restoring you to a pristine aesthetic appearance? Dr. Brad Gandolfi’s background in craniofacial and reconstructive surgery sets him apart from general providers who perform basic excision. He approaches every removal with a deep understanding of facial planes, tension lines, and scar behavior, ensuring the best aesthetic outcome possible.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is double board-certified as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and is known for combining an artistic eye with advanced clinical skills. His practice offers a discreet, comfortable environment where medical precision meets artistic attention to detail. Whether removing a small facial cyst or a large subcutaneous lipoma, Dr. Gandolfi provides results that feel seamless, balanced, and natural. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi by contacting (212) 287-7211 or request a consultation today.
A physical examination is often enough to distinguish them, but in some cases, imaging or biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area completely. Most patients describe only mild pressure during the procedure.
Drainage may offer temporary relief but does not remove the capsule, so the cyst often returns. Complete excision is the most effective solution.
Any surgical procedure creates a scar, but Dr. Gandolfi uses microsurgical closure and strategic incision placement to ensure it is virtually invisible once healed.
When the entire capsule is removed, recurrence is rare. Proper technique and post-operative care are key to long-term success.
If the growth is symptomatic (i.e., painful, infected, or limiting movement), some insurance plans may cover its removal. Cosmetic cases are typically self-pay.
