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Fatty nodules on the face

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
 
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Lipomas (facial lipomas) are benign tumors that form under the skin from fatty tissue. The distinctive features of the neoplasm are mobility, painlessness, and soft consistency. Lipomas do not transform into cancerous tumors, causing only aesthetic problems.

Lipomas are most often localized in the upper part of the face: in the area of the eyelids, brow ridges or on the forehead, but can be found on the cheeks and near the lips. Externally, they are convex white or flesh-colored nodules from a few millimeters to three or more centimeters in diameter. Small lipomas on the face are located under the eyes and resemble pimples. However, you won’t be able to get rid of annoying spots by simply squeezing them out.

Increasing in size, lipomas, in addition to obvious cosmetic discomfort, can disrupt the blood circulation of nearby tissues. A qualified specialist will help confirm the diagnosis, conduct the necessary additional examinations and remove the tumor.

Causes of lipoma on the face

From a medical point of view, lipomas on the face are formed as a result of blockage of sebaceous ducts, which provokes accumulation of fat that is not excreted. The process is accompanied by proliferation of cells with their subsequent layering, like onion scales. This is how a hard spherical formation appears.

Changes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism can affect the development of lipomas. A big mistake in this case would be to use a low-calorie diet, which not only will not get rid of the lipoma, but will also cause the lipoma to grow.

The following causes of lipomas on the face are identified:

  • metabolic disorders leading to dysfunction of the fatty layer;
  • hereditary factors, genetic mutations;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • endocrine problems (in particular hyperthyroidism);
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • long-term use of certain medications;
  • abuse of unnatural food, poor nutrition;
  • increased cholesterol levels;
  • improper care of problematic facial skin;
  • dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.

Determining the underlying cause of the disease will help to cope with the lipoma on the face and prevent its recurrence.

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Symptoms of wen on the face

The development of a lipoma on the face is mostly asymptomatic. Pain syndrome occurs when a large lipoma compresses blood capillaries, the presence of nerve fibers inside the lipoma.

Symptoms of a lipoma on the face are the manifestation of small subcutaneous seals of a white or yellowish hue. The neoplasms are about 2-3 mm in diameter and grow unnoticed and very slowly, without spreading to neighboring organs. It is not possible to squeeze out the contents of the lipoma, which distinguishes a small seal from a pimple.

When palpated, lipomas are defined as soft in consistency, fairly mobile, painless, single or multiple formations. The proximity of a lipoma on the face to nerve endings can cause pain when pressed.

The appearance of a small pimple on the face will worry and make women go to at least a cosmetologist. As for men, the thought of going to the nearest clinic will not appear in them until the lipoma has grown to an impressive size.

What does a lipoma on the face look like?

In appearance, lipomas on the face differ depending on their type. Milia are more similar to white-yellowish acne. Small nodules with a diameter of several millimeters are formed in groups that never unite into a common conglomerate. A scattering of dense point formations is most often noticed in the eye area or on the forehead. The second name for milia is prosyanka due to the shape resembling a millet grain.

What does a lipoma on the face of the xanthelasma variety look like? Yellowish xanthelasmas, compared to spherical, protruding above the surface of the skin, milia have a flat structure, more like plaques. Lipomas of this type are mostly detected with age. The favorite location of xanthelasmas is the corners of the eyelids. Unlike milia, single or multiple xanthelasmas can merge with neighboring pathological islands, forming a large tumor zone.

White wen on the face

Millimeter-sized pimples that cannot be squeezed out are called milia. Millet-like lipomas are the result of blockage of sebaceous ducts, in which fat accumulates. Apart from visual discomfort, the formations do not cause any harm. Such lipomas appear in the eyelid area, temporal region and on the cheeks. It is difficult to judge the cause of milia formation unequivocally; the development of lipomas on the face is often associated with liver dysfunction.

Small white lipomas on the face can be removed independently, for which you will need a thin needle, alcohol, cotton wool, tweezers. In order to reduce pain sensitivity, an ampoule with lidocaine will come in handy.

Sequence of actions:

  • wash your face;
  • disinfect the area to be treated, as well as your hands (you can use chlorhexidine solution);
  • treat the prepared instrument with alcohol;
  • lubricate the lipoma with lidocaine, test for sensitivity after 15 minutes, repeat the wetting if necessary;
  • Use tweezers to fix the body of the lipoma from below to prevent it from shifting;
  • Using a needle, carefully tear the skin in an upward motion;
  • the presence of blood without the wen coming out will require more decisive action from you;
  • cauterize the wound.

Doctors do not recommend getting rid of lipomas at home, as there is a high risk of infection, and unskilled manipulations often leave an unsightly scar.

Small wen on the face

Lipomas up to 1 mm in diameter are considered small. You can get rid of unattractive formations on your face in one of the following ways:

  • drying;
  • mechanical removal by puncture;
  • cauterization;
  • use of peelings, masks.

To remove lipomas on the face by drying, you should stock up on persistence and patience. The treatment can be long-term, requiring consistency. Twice a day, treat the affected areas of the skin with calendula tincture, boric or salicylic alcohol. The therapy is most effective for lipomas in the eye area.

Puncture at home is not always appropriate due to the risk of infection, which will entail serious consequences.

You will also have to cauterize small lipomas on your face with iodine for a long time and at least twice a day to achieve a positive result. You should only treat the lipoma itself, without touching healthy areas of the epithelium, where a burn may occur if you are careless.

The use of peelings and special masks will not only improve the condition of the skin, but will also get rid of small lipomas. You can make the mask yourself. For example, bring unrefined vegetable oil to a boil, add salt and apply it hot to the lipomas. Repeat the procedure until a dry crust appears on the site of the lipoma.

Subcutaneous lipomas on the face

Lipoma most often develops in subcutaneous fat, but is also found in connective tissue. Subcutaneous lipomas on the face are soft in consistency, quite mobile and painless. When the epithelium is stretched over the lipoma, retraction is observed, characterized by a lobular structure of the formation. The softness of the lipoma is due to the predominance of fatty tissue, a denser structure indicates that the formation is filled with connective tissue.

Subcutaneous lipomas on the face can easily be confused with atheromas, which are cystic formations of the sebaceous gland. Neoplasms are distinguished only by indirect signs. When palpated, lipomas and atheromas have the same consistency. Unlike lipomas, atheromas are part of the skin, forming in the area of predominance of sebaceous glands. Often, atheromas contain an excretory duct through which a yellowish, unpleasant-smelling pasty mass seeps out. Atheromas can quickly increase in size and become inflamed, so they require surgical treatment.

Wen on a child's face

The detection of lipomas in children is associated with genetic predisposition. As a rule, lipomas on the face of a child appear during the first year of life.

Lipomas in babies under three months are physiological and do not require any external manipulation. The accumulation of lipomas in a newborn in the area of the lips, eyes, on the cheeks is often formed as a result of underdevelopment of the sebaceous glands. Such a pathology should not cause concern for parents, since neoplasms are absorbed on their own as the baby grows. The presence of large (over 1 cm), as well as inflamed lipomas is a reason to consult a doctor and remove the lipoma.

Experts do not recommend experimenting with self-treatment using folk medicine or puncture. Unskilled actions by parents can lead to infection with subsequent inflammation and suppuration, formation of scars and cicatrices.

According to location, lipomas on a child’s face are found:

  • on the nose - called infantile milia, the disease goes away on its own. You should make sure that the baby does not scratch the formations;
  • on the head - forehead or scalp. These lipomas are subject to removal after the child reaches five years of age;
  • on the eyes - if the lipomas do not resolve, consult a dermatologist.

Laser and drug therapy are considered appropriate methods for removing a lipoma in a child. The doctor prescribes the treatment method based on the individual characteristics of the disease.

Types of lipomas on the face

Lipomas develop everywhere on the body where there is fatty tissue. The formations are divided into varieties, which determine the use of one or another therapy, help to predict the course of the disease.

The following types of lipomas on the face are distinguished:

  • milium;
  • xanthelasma.

In clinical practice, milia of the face are often encountered. White-yellowish dense subcutaneous nodules are found on the eyelids, in the cheekbones, eyes, wings of the nose and forehead. Trying to squeeze out such formations is useless, since they do not have an excretory duct.

The upper and lower eyelids are a favorite place for xanthelasma formation. Yellowish, soft plaques are often found with age-related changes in the body. These lipomas, in comparison with milia, can significantly increase in size and merge with neighboring neoplasms.

Lipomas on the face of the described types do not cause discomfort and are not a health problem. Milia and xanthelasma form at any age, which becomes a real disaster in adolescence and youth.

Inflammation of the wen on the face

The inflammatory process of a lipoma is a serious complication that occurs when an infection or injury occurs, leading to the formation of pus. Inflammation of a lipoma on the face is often a consequence of home self-treatment.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lipoma:

  • redness of the skin;
  • growth of education in size;
  • presence of pain syndrome;
  • presence of liquid content in the lipoma.

The pain may be of a nagging nature or may only be felt when pressing on the lipoma.

If the lipoma has begun to rapidly increase in size, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. After consultation and visual examination, you will certainly undergo a biopsy. If the neoplasm has grown very large, an ultrasound examination may be necessary.

Inflamed lipomas on the face are subject to surgical removal. Traditional surgery, laser, endoscopic and radio wave treatment are used for this purpose. Indications and the possibility of using one or another method are determined by a specialist in each specific case.

Who to contact?

Treatment of wen on the face

Any lipomas on the face require consultation with a cosmetologist and/or dermatologist. In some situations, it is recommended to visit an oncologist to analyze the contents of the lipoma and exclude the presence of cancer cells.

Modern treatment of lipoma on the face is possible using one of the safe, innovative methods:

  • chemical peeling – ensures cleansing of the sebaceous duct and prevents its re-clogging;
  • the introduction of special drugs causes spontaneous resorption of the lipoma;
  • laser skin treatment is an effective technology for hard-to-reach, sensitive areas (eyelids, earlobes);
  • electrocoagulation – use of diathermic current;
  • mechanical cleaning – by means of a puncture or incision.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause of the neoplasms. For this purpose, the patient is referred to a gastroenterologist to rule out gastrointestinal diseases. A blood test for sugar would not be superfluous.

After receiving a complete clinical picture, the doctor prescribes the optimal treatment. In case of timely patient treatment, when the lipoma is not sufficiently developed, painless injections are recommended. The lipoma is absorbed under the influence of the drug. The result will be noticeable only several months after the manipulation.

How to get rid of a lipoma on the face?

Treatment procedures that eliminate the external manifestation of the disease and provide a therapeutic effect from the inside will help to effectively cope with the problem of lipoma.

The easiest way to forget about a lipoma is mechanical cleaning. It is better to have the procedure done by a competent specialist, self-treatment is fraught with infection and is not always appropriate due to the extremely inconvenient location of the lipoma. The doctor punctures the lipoma with a needle and removes the fat by aspiration. The therapy can be performed under local anesthesia.

How to get rid of a lipoma on the face at home? If the lipoma is small, then you can deal with it using cosmetic products - scrubs, peelings, masks, etc. Clay, compresses with bodyaga, cosmetics based on fruit acids and grape seeds give good results. Properly organized care for oily and problem skin is half the success in the fight against lipomas on the face. Do not despair if daily procedures have given a weak or completely unnoticeable effect, your actions have done good preparatory work for medical intervention.

Removal of lipomas on the face

Traditional surgical removal of lipomas on the face is unpleasant because of possible scars. The size of the incision depends entirely on the size of the lipoma, so timely treatment by a specialist will save the patient from cosmetic defects.

Before the surgical intervention, the contents of the lipoma are sent for histological analysis to exclude malignant cells. The operation is performed under local anesthesia (general anesthesia is used in rare cases), which makes the procedure virtually painless. After making an incision, the surgeon cleans out the accumulated fat.

Lipomas on the face are removed using endoscopic equipment, which helps to avoid scarring. An incision is made in the hairline or ear area. This method releases the lipoma capsule from the inside, minimizing the incidence of relapse.

Removal of small lipomas on the face is performed by puncturing with a needle and subsequent evacuation of the fat with the capsule.

Indications for lipoma removal will be:

  • rapid growth of a lipoma;
  • presence of discomfort, pain;
  • desire to get rid of the defect.

Laser removal of lipomas on the face

According to experts, the optimal method for removing small lipomas is laser therapy. This method is especially suitable for delicate and sensitive skin on the eyelids and around the eyes. Among the advantages are the absence of scars.

The laser beam acts specifically on the problem area without affecting healthy tissue. At the site of laser removal of lipomas on the face, a crust remains, which peels off in about a week. In addition to high accuracy, the probability of recurrence of lipoma is zero. The laser has disinfectant properties, which reduces possible complications to a minimum.

The laser treatment of lipoma takes several minutes. Compared to surgical methods, laser therapy does not require stitches, which results in an excellent cosmetic effect.

Like any medical treatment, laser removal of lipomas on the face has its contraindications:

  • cancer, diabetes;
  • various types of inflammatory processes, herpes;
  • immunodeficiency;
  • bearing a child;
  • period.

Where can I remove a wen on my face?

Treatment of lipomas on the face is carried out by cosmetologists and surgeons who have the necessary qualifications. The result of the therapy will largely depend on the literacy of the specialist. Removal methods are selected depending on the depth of the lipoma, the accessibility of its location and size. The conclusion on the advisability of using a treatment method is made on the basis of a preliminary examination, data from additional examinations (biopsy, ultrasound, etc.), and individual characteristics of the development of the disease. The general condition of the patient is of no small importance. If signs of intoxication, a severe systemic disease, or decreased immunity are detected, then it is better to postpone the removal of the lipoma.

Where can I remove a lipoma on my face? You can get rid of this unpleasant growth in a cosmetology or surgery office. Cosmetologists most often resort to puncturing the lipoma and then removing its contents. It is possible to remove a lipoma using a laser, electrocoagulation or cryodestruction. The described methods are more suitable for patients with small lipomas on the face. Such manipulations are available both in a cosmetologist's office and in a medical institution with the appropriate license and trained personnel.

Large fatty deposits on the face are best removed with laser and radio wave radiation. This therapy, compared to the surgeon's scalpel, eliminates complications, relapses, scars and marks.

Remedy for lipomas on the face

A fairly popular remedy for lipomas on the face is Viaton balm. An absolutely natural preparation made from plant materials: herbs and essential oils. Oil extracts of medicinal plants - chamomile, mint, calendula, caraway, St. John's wort, celandine, pine buds, wormwood, rose hips, thyme and yarrow - have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerating effect. Herbs in combination with mint, camphor, orange and fennel oils contribute to:

  • rapid healing;
  • activation of the skin's defenses;
  • skin nutrition (the balm is rich in vitamins and microelements);
  • softening and restoration of metabolic processes.

"Viaton" is produced in two variations - with soybean and olive oil (contains a higher concentration of plant extracts).

As a remedy for lipomas on the face, the balm is applied in a thin layer at least two or three times a day. Before starting treatment, pay attention to the complex composition of the drug and the possibility of allergic reactions.

Ointment for wen on the face

In the pharmacy you can buy ready-made ointments for lipomas, as well as vitamin A. Treatment of lipomas on the face with pharmacological agents is carried out for a month, but often gives lasting results.

Multiple milia can be treated with the following ointments:

  • "videstim" - based on retinol, which breaks down fatty tissue. With regular use, it reduces the size of lipomas;
  • "Gistan" - has an anti-inflammatory effect, prevents the spread of lipomas;
  • "Vishnevsky" - make a compress for 6-12 hours, helps the lipoma to open on its own.

"Gistan" contains lily-of-the-valley essential oil and herbal extracts, which improve metabolic processes in the skin and stimulate blood circulation.

The ointment for lipomas on the face is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin at least twice a day. In some cases, side effects are observed - itching, peeling and redness of the skin. If the above symptoms are detected, it is better to stop treatment with the drug.

Before starting treatment with ointments, read the package insert. It is not recommended to use these substances for people with hypersensitivity to one of the components of the ointment. Medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Folk remedies for lipoma on the face

There are proven folk remedies for lipomas on the face:

  • fresh pulp of Kalanchoe or aloe is applied at night;
  • the baked and minced onion is mixed with laundry soap (1 tbsp of grated soap per one small onion). Apply as a compress up to twice a day;
  • celandine juice, applied pointwise to problem areas, is kept for about half an hour, and then washed off with water. If a hole forms on top of the wen, celandine is discontinued and bandages with Vishnevsky ointment are applied;
  • melted mutton fat, cooled to a comfortable temperature, is rubbed into the area with lipomas;
  • take 50g of nettle and mix with 500ml of vodka, leave for at least 21 days. Treat skin areas with lipomas with the resulting solution;
  • Grind five chestnuts to a uniform consistency, add a tablespoon of honey. Apply to problem areas of the face three times a day;
  • Taking hydrogen peroxide orally, starting with a 3% solution, helps get rid of lipomas;
  • applying sheep's wool soaked in laundry soap helps to eliminate lipomas on the face;
  • iodine and vinegar, taken in equal proportions, are applied selectively to the lipoma area.

The downside of alternative treatment is its duration. The desired effect can be achieved no earlier than after a month of therapy.

Mask against wen on the face

A purchased or homemade mask for lipomas on the face gives good results in the treatment of small formations.

After visiting a bath/sauna or taking a hot bath, a mask based on sour cream with honey and salt is applied to the skin with lipomas. All components are taken in equal parts. The composition is kept for about half an hour and washed off with warm water. To get rid of lipomas, at least 20 sessions will be needed, performed every other day.

A mask made of red clay (2 tablespoons), sour milk (1 tablespoon) and a pinch of salt gives a stunning effect. The treasure trove of folk recipes includes a mixture with chopped fresh onion (1 tablespoon), honey (1 tablespoon) and a teaspoon of flour.

Crushed wheat grains with the addition of vegetable oil to the consistency of sour cream are applied until an outlet appears in the wen and the contents spill out.

If you do not have the strength and time for home therapy, contact a qualified cosmetologist who will remove lipomas on the face by peeling (chemical or mechanical) and a course of absorbable masks. Competent treatment of lipomas on the face will not only help restore beauty and youth, but also protect you from negative consequences in the form of scars or infection.

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