Lipomas are subcutaneous fatty growths that are benign.  Patients typically want them removed because they are unsightly or by pressing on nerves are uncomfortable.  They typically start small and gradually enlarge to as much as 5-10 cm in diameter over a period of years. There are genetic and familial aspects to lipomas.They can have a thin capsule around them, which the surgeon will try to dissect free of surrounding skin and tissue to try to get all the lipoma cells out. This is not always possible, so even if lipomas are surgically removed, they can recur.