Lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor growth of adipose tissue. It is painless, harmless and grows very slowly; it forms between the skin and muscle, moving freely under the skin layer, and is spongy or malleable to the touch. It usually occurs more frequently on the neck, shoulders, abdomen, arms, thighs and back; it can hinder movement and is considered a blemish. There are some natural treatments you can try to reduce it and thus improve both range of motion and appearance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Plants and Natural Oils
Step 1. Make an ointment using natural oils and herbs
Natural oils, such as Neem and linseed oils, are an excellent base for creating a cream; try them in combination with different plants.
- Neem oil has astringent properties and protects the skin; it is typically used in Ayurvedic medicine (ancient Indian culture) to treat lipomas.
- Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; both help reduce inflammation. Make sure you buy one with a quality certificate and one that does not contain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
- Although it is not an oil, chilled green tea is a great alternative to create the base for your ointment; is high in antioxidants which help regulate blood sugar and fat.
Suggestion:
Although it is not an oil, chilled green tea is a great alternative to create the base for your ointment; is high in antioxidants which help regulate blood sugar and fat.
Step 2. Blend the centocchio with a natural oil or tea base
Mix a teaspoon of aromatic plant with 2-3 tablespoons of Neem or flaxseed oil and apply the ointment thus obtained on the lipoma.
- Centocchio is useful for reducing fat.
- Alternatively, you can use 1 or 2 tablespoons of iced tea instead of oil to make the dough.
Step 3. Make turmeric ointment
Add a teaspoon of spice to 2-3 tablespoons of Neem or flaxseed oil and spread the ointment on the growth. The skin should turn slightly yellow or orange from the turmeric; cover the lipoma with a plaster to protect clothing.
- Turmeric, like Neem oil, is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine.
- To make a paste that fits your purpose, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold green tea to the turmeric instead of oil.
Step 4. Add the dried sage
Combine half a teaspoon or a whole teaspoon of the herb with 2-3 tablespoons of Neem or flaxseed oil and use the resulting solution to cover the blemish.
- If you want to make a paste, replace the oil with 1-2 tablespoons of cold green tea.
- Sage is used in traditional Chinese medicine to dissolve fatty tissue.
Method 2 of 3: Improving Nutrition
Step 1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables
They are both rich in antioxidants useful for lowering the blood level of fats.
Choose brightly colored vegetables, which contain a higher amount of antioxidants; some great examples are: blueberries, raspberries, apples, plums, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, squash and peppers
Step 2. Eat more fish
It is a perfect source of omega-3 fatty acids and good quality protein; the former help reduce inflammation and limit the growth of lipomas.
- Salmon and tuna are excellent for getting omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found mainly in mackerel, herring and trout, which are also rich in vitamin B12.
Step 3. Reduce the amount of red meat
If you choose to eat it, make sure the animals have been pasture-raised and that it does not contain added hormones or antibiotics; that which comes from grazing cattle is rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
Poultry, tofu, and beans are all great alternatives to red meat and are just as high in protein
Step 4. Switch to organic foods as much as possible
With this type of diet, you reduce the consumption of preservatives and additives, allowing the liver to focus on eliminating toxins accumulated in the lipoma.
Did you know that?
Limiting the amount of industrially packaged and processed foods will also reduce the amount of additives and preservatives you ingest.
Method 3 of 3: When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if you feel pain or discomfort, feel a new lump, or notice swelling
Sometimes it is possible for a lump to look like a lipoma, but then maybe it is something else. Since a lipoma is generally not painful, experiencing pain could indicate that the lump is a different thing. Likewise, don't try to treat a new lump or swollen area before getting it checked by your doctor.
The lump you feel is probably not something to worry about, but it's good to make sure it's a lipoma and not something else
Step 2. Expect to have a biopsy, x-rays, MRI or CT scan
These tests will help your doctor make sure it is actually a lipoma.
- You shouldn't feel any pain during the biopsy, but you may experience some discomfort. Before performing the biopsy, the doctor will anesthetize the area around the lipoma. Next, he will go and take a small sample from the lump using a fine needle. Finally, he will proceed to analyze the sample under a microscope to make sure it is lipoma.
- X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are all diagnostic imaging tests. In many cases, the doctor will only perform one. An X-ray shows a shadow where the lipoma is located, while an MRI or CT scan can show a more detailed picture of the lipoma.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if liposuction can solve your lipoma discomfort
If you have a small lipoma that interferes with your daily life, it could be removed with liposuction surgery. To perform this procedure, your doctor will anesthetize the area around the lipoma so that you don't feel any pain. Next, he will proceed to suck the fatty tissue into the lipoma with a needle.
This simple intervention is quick and requires no downtime. However, it could cause pain, discomfort, and bruising
Step 4. Consider surgery if the lipoma restricts your movement
If the doctor believes surgery is the most appropriate solution, he will generally proceed with general anesthesia before the operation. To remove the lipoma he will make a small incision and then go to extract the lipoma from your body. Once done, he'll stitch the cut up with sutures.
- You may have a scar around the area after surgery. However, the scar will not be very noticeable. In the days following the operation, you may have bruises and some discomfort.
- You might also consider surgery if the lipoma negatively affects how you think about your appearance.
Suggestion:
if the lipoma is surgically removed, recurrence is very unlikely.
Advice
- You should always consult your doctor before trying any natural treatments.
- For best results, apply a generous amount of herbal ointment every day.
- Never try to squeeze or irritate a lipoma.
