Is it possible to get rid of, or reduce a lipoma yourself?

[diydivadoit]

Anybody know any old wives tales or methods for removing a fatty lipoma, medium sized on top of leg? It's getting bigger and bigger and I'm getting really self consious about it.
I know the NHS won't do it and I can't afford to pay a £1000 to have it removed privately!

I'm tempted to stick a pin in it and see what happens sterilised of course [shame]

I found this on NHS Choices:

You may want your lipoma removed if it's large or in an obvious place and is affecting your self-esteem.
However, you will need to pay for this procedure privately. This is because the removal of a lipoma is regarded as cosmetic surgery, which is rarely available through the NHS. Generally, the NHS will only carry out cosmetic surgery procedures if the problem is affecting your physical or mental health.
A lipoma may also need to be removed if it is causing discomfort. For example, it may be pressing on a nerve and causing pain.

I would have to go down the 'discomfort' and 'self esteem' angle.
I hate lying though.

I tried that angle and still wasn't allowed any removed. It was bloody true too. I have so many that effect me and hurt me that it wouldn't be a case of just getting a few removed to make things better.

The cause has never been found. There are some people who think it can be related to high cholesterol but there isn't enough evidence to support that. Some think it is related to trauma; some people when they knock themselves are more prone to developing them. Again, no real evidence to back it up. Although my mum developed one near her knee after a big knock, and the NHS won't remove it either.

For me there is a genetic link. my granddad and uncle had them and my brother got them at the same time as I did. I hope my kids don't inherit it.

I walked home with my dd5 the other day and we were playing a game of 'tell mummy to be quiet when she sings too loud' (I had my headphones in, this games cracks her up) she decided to playfully hit me on the bum with her book bag. It wasn't heavy, but it got a lipoma and it hurt like heck. Often dh will touch me and I will let out a yelp because he hurt me accidentally. My dream is to have a back massage, never going to happen because it hurts too much. For cases like mine liposuction is meant to be useful.

Anyway, sorry to go on. I hope they remove yours and you don't go on to develop more. My mil just got one too and her gp said they become more common in older age. I guess I will just be one lump and my husband will be able to roll me around by the time I hit 60

Def get it checked if it is getting bigger, lipomas are very moveable and feel very rubbery.

affect*

I had one removed from my upper thigh/groin. Quick op at gp surgery. didn't have to fight for it. maybe your GP will be as willing as mine?
Fwiw it left a big scar and is painful when I cycle and the scar is almost as raised as the lipoma was.

I have a few of them and one on my right arm which attracts attention and getting fed up with people asking me about it, I am remotes to get my Stanley knife and cut it out?

OP, are you Michael Gove, avoiding the offer of expert advice? Even if you get it done privately, your GP will still need to refer you.

the first rule of surgery is not to attempt surgery on yourself

ZOMBIE THREAD.

I've got numerous lipomas on both legs which hurt when I jog or even walk too fast, the NHS said I could have them removed but there's no guarantee the scar would be any less painful.

Didn't they used to say hit them with a book in the olden days? Or was that ganglions?

This thread has been moved to general health

Hello
Did you sort them out
I have 20-30 of the
There was just 1 but last few years imcreasing
I have booked apointment with GP
But I want to ask someone who have them

Seen 3 doctors and this is effecting me badly dont go out dont feel intimate with anyone for nearly 10 years I can't afford private the doctor is aware of how I feel and simply say n.h.s doesn't do this.
So what you said isnt true unless I go in with slit wrists they won't help just my family and daughter get the brunt of my loneliness I feel crippled thanks to no help really upset I can't get on with life