lipoma removal

i have had a lipoma for over 20 years. lately it has gotten larger and i want it removed.  it is about 2.5". i am very active and work out 6 times a week.  what sort of down time will i have afterwards?  can one this large be remove non-invasivly?  funny my husband has one as well-not as large-on the opposite side as mine.  is this kind of thing hereditary?  our kids are worried they'll get one!  i will add that i have itp(since 1996)-my platlet level runs around 50,000.  i am under the care of a hemotologist with no treatment at present.  will i have to get a gamma goblin injection prior to removal?
thank you for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A lipoma of that size is normally removed by a general surgeon.  I'm not sure what "non-invasively" means in the context of a lipoma - I think there is only one surgical method to take it out.  However, I am not a surgeon, so don't quote me on that.  

For a procedure like lipoma removal, a platelet count of above 50,000 is necessary.  In surgeries where the risk is greater, a platelet count of above 100,000 is necessary.  This should be discussed with your personal physician.  

If the platelet count is too low, a course of prednisone or a dose of intravenous gamma globulin would be necessary.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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