Why do I have fatty deposits under my skin?
Fatty deposits under the skin, called lipomas, are benign growths of fat cells that affect 1 in 1,000 people and are usually harmless. While genetics play a major role, factors like high cholesterol, metabolic conditions, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to their development.
Jump To Section
What Are Fatty Deposits Under the Skin?
Fatty deposits under the skin, medically known as lipomas, are soft, moveable lumps that form when fat cells grow in a concentrated area beneath your skin's surface. These benign tumors feel doughy to the touch and typically move easily when you press on them with your finger. While they can appear anywhere on your body, they most commonly develop on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.
Lipomas are remarkably common, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people, though many individuals may have them without ever noticing. They typically grow slowly over months or years, usually reaching between 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, though some can grow as large as 10 centimeters or more. Most people develop lipomas between ages 40 and 60, and they occur slightly more frequently in men than women.
Types of Fatty Deposits You Might Have
Not all fatty deposits under the skin are the same. Understanding the different types can help you better identify what you're dealing with and whether you need medical attention. The most common types include conventional lipomas, which are composed purely of fat cells, and angiolipomas, which contain blood vessels and may be tender to touch.
Types of Fatty Deposits Under the Skin
| Type | Appearance | Common Locations | Associated Conditions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Lipoma | Conventional Lipoma | Soft, moveable, 1-3 cm | Arms, back, neck, thighs | Usually none |
| Angiolipoma | Angiolipoma | Tender, contains blood vessels | Forearms, trunk | May be painful |
| Xanthoma | Xanthoma | Yellow/orange, flat or raised | Eyes, joints, hands | High cholesterol, diabetes |
| Fibrolipoma | Fibrolipoma | Firm, contains fibrous tissue | Back, neck | Usually none |
| Spindle Cell Lipoma | Spindle Cell Lipoma | Firm, slow-growing | Back, neck, shoulders | More common in men over 45 |
Different types of fatty deposits have distinct characteristics and may indicate various underlying health conditions.
Xanthomas and Cholesterol Deposits
Xanthomas are yellowish deposits of cholesterol that form under the skin, particularly around the eyes, joints, hands, feet, or buttocks. Unlike lipomas, xanthomas often indicate underlying metabolic issues, particularly high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These deposits appear as flat or slightly raised patches and have a distinct yellow or orange color. If you notice these types of deposits, comprehensive metabolic testing can help identify underlying lipid disorders that may need treatment.
Multiple Lipomas and Genetic Conditions
Some people develop multiple lipomas due to inherited conditions like familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes numerous lipomas to form throughout the body. Other genetic syndromes associated with multiple lipomas include Gardner syndrome, Madelung disease, and Dercum's disease. These conditions often run in families and may require specialized medical management beyond treating individual lipomas.
Primary Causes of Fatty Deposits
The exact cause of lipomas remains somewhat mysterious to medical science, but research has identified several key factors that contribute to their development. Genetics play the most significant role, with studies showing that lipomas often run in families. If your parents or siblings have lipomas, you're more likely to develop them yourself.
Genetic and Hereditary Factors
Research indicates that approximately 2-3% of people with lipomas have a family history of the condition. Certain genetic mutations, particularly in genes that regulate fat cell growth and differentiation, can predispose individuals to developing these benign tumors. Some families carry specific genetic variations that lead to conditions like familial multiple lipomatosis, where multiple lipomas develop throughout life.
Metabolic and Hormonal Influences
Metabolic conditions can significantly influence the development of fatty deposits. People with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance may be more prone to developing lipomas. Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving growth hormone, cortisol, and sex hormones, can also contribute to abnormal fat cell growth. Additionally, conditions affecting fat metabolism, such as adiposis dolorosa or Madelung disease, are directly associated with lipoma formation.
Risk Factors and Associated Conditions
Several factors increase your likelihood of developing fatty deposits under the skin. Age is a significant factor, with most lipomas appearing in middle age. Obesity, while not a direct cause, may increase the visibility and number of lipomas. Certain medical conditions also elevate risk, including liver disease, glucose intolerance, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides).
Physical trauma to an area may trigger lipoma formation in some cases, though this connection isn't fully understood. Some researchers theorize that injury to fat cells might stimulate abnormal growth patterns. Additionally, certain medications, particularly corticosteroids used long-term, may contribute to lipoma development in susceptible individuals.
People with specific genetic syndromes face higher risks. Gardner syndrome, characterized by multiple polyps in the colon, often includes lipomas as a feature. Cowden syndrome, which increases cancer risk, frequently presents with multiple lipomas. Understanding your genetic predisposition through family history and appropriate testing can help identify if you're at increased risk. Regular monitoring of metabolic health markers through comprehensive testing can help identify underlying conditions that may contribute to fatty deposit formation.
Upload your blood test results to track your progress
Seamlessly upload 3rd party biomarker & blood tests to track your whole health in 1 dashboard. Understand what each blood test means and how it fits into the bigger picture of your body and health.
Get diet and lifestyle recommendations based on your blood results, health profile and health goals. You'll also receive a custom supplement recommendation for the precise nutrients your body craves.
Upload Past Blood Test Results
Click or drag file to upload
Once you upload your report, we'll extract the results for your review. Works with top labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, BioReference, EverlyWell, LetsGetChecked and hundreds of other labs.
Recognizing Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Most lipomas are painless and cause no symptoms beyond their physical presence. They typically feel soft and rubbery, move easily under the skin when touched, and grow very slowly over time. The overlying skin usually appears normal without discoloration or texture changes. However, certain warning signs warrant medical evaluation.
You should consult a healthcare provider if a lump grows rapidly, becomes painful or tender, feels hard or doesn't move when pressed, causes numbness or tingling, or interferes with movement or daily activities. Additionally, any lump that changes in appearance, develops redness or warmth, or appears after age 50 should be evaluated to rule out other conditions.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
Diagnosing lipomas typically begins with a physical examination. Your doctor will feel the lump, noting its size, texture, mobility, and location. In many cases, experienced physicians can diagnose lipomas based on physical characteristics alone. However, additional testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI can help visualize the fatty deposit's internal structure and determine its exact size and depth. These tests are particularly useful for deeper lipomas or those in unusual locations. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out liposarcoma, a rare cancerous tumor that can resemble a lipoma.
Blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying metabolic conditions that could contribute to fatty deposit formation. These might include lipid panels to assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels, glucose tests to check for diabetes, and hormone levels to identify endocrine disorders. If you're experiencing multiple fatty deposits or have a family history of lipomas, genetic testing might be recommended to identify hereditary syndromes.
Treatment Options and Management Strategies
Most lipomas don't require treatment unless they cause discomfort, interfere with daily activities, or create cosmetic concerns. When treatment is necessary, several options are available, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to surgical removal. The choice of treatment depends on the lipoma's size, location, and your personal preferences.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches
Surgical excision remains the most definitive treatment for lipomas. This outpatient procedure involves making an incision and removing the entire fatty deposit along with its capsule, which significantly reduces the chance of recurrence. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes 30-60 minutes depending on the lipoma's size and location.
Liposuction offers a less invasive alternative for larger lipomas. This technique uses a thin tube to suction out the fatty tissue through a small incision. While recovery is typically faster than traditional surgery, there's a higher chance of recurrence since the lipoma's capsule remains. Steroid injections can shrink lipomas by breaking down fat cells, though multiple treatments are usually needed and complete elimination is rare. Newer treatments like laser therapy and cryolipolysis (fat freezing) are being studied but aren't yet widely available for lipoma treatment.
Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications
While you can't completely prevent lipomas, especially if you have a genetic predisposition, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce your risk or prevent new ones from forming. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise supports overall metabolic health and may reduce lipoma formation risk.
Managing underlying health conditions is crucial. If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels well-controlled may help. For those with high cholesterol or triglycerides, following a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and refined sugars can be beneficial. Regular monitoring of these metabolic markers helps identify issues early before they contribute to fatty deposit formation.
Stress management plays an often-overlooked role in metabolic health. Chronic stress can affect hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which influences fat distribution and storage in the body. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can support overall metabolic balance. Additionally, avoiding trauma to areas where you've previously had lipomas may help prevent recurrence, though this connection isn't definitively proven.
For those interested in understanding their metabolic health and identifying potential risk factors for fatty deposits, the SiPhox Health free blood test upload service can provide personalized insights into your biomarker data, helping you track important metabolic markers over time.
Living with Fatty Deposits: Long-term Outlook
The good news about lipomas is that they're benign and rarely cause serious health problems. Most people with lipomas live completely normal lives without any complications. Once removed, individual lipomas rarely return to the same location, though new ones may develop elsewhere, especially in people with genetic predispositions.
Regular self-examination helps you monitor existing lipomas and identify new ones early. Keep track of their size, location, and any changes in appearance or sensation. Taking photographs can help document changes over time. Most doctors recommend annual check-ups for people with multiple lipomas or those with family histories of lipomatosis.
The psychological impact of visible lipomas shouldn't be overlooked. While medically harmless, they can affect self-esteem and body image, particularly when located in visible areas. Support groups and counseling can help address these concerns. Remember that treatment options are available if lipomas significantly impact your quality of life, and discussing your concerns openly with healthcare providers ensures you receive appropriate care tailored to your needs.
References
- Charifa A, Azmat CE, Badri T. Lipoma. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.[Link][PubMed]
- Kolb L, Yarrarapu SNS, Ameer MA, et al. Lipoma. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.[Link][PubMed]
- Johnson CN, Ha AS, Chen E, Davidson D. Lipomatous Soft-tissue Tumors. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2018;26(22):779-788.[PubMed][DOI]
- Zubair M, Malik A, Ahmad J. Plasma lipid abnormalities in Pakistani population: trends, associated factors, and clinical implications. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2018;51(9):e7239.[PubMed][DOI]
- Salam GA. Lipoma excision. American Family Physician. 2002;65(5):901-904.[Link][PubMed]
- Bancroft LW, Kransdorf MJ, Peterson JJ, O'Connor MI. Benign fatty tumors: classification, clinical course, imaging appearance, and treatment. Skeletal Radiology. 2006;35(10):719-733.[PubMed][DOI]
Was this article helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test my cholesterol and metabolic markers at home?
Are fatty deposits under the skin dangerous?
Can lipomas go away on their own?
What's the difference between a lipoma and a cyst?
Can diet and exercise prevent fatty deposits?
This article is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You are free to share and adapt this material with attribution.
