Lipoma Problems after two months

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had an egg sized lipoma removed 2 months ago and am still having pain. My surgeon has found another painful lump he thinks is a lipoma as well about an inch above the previous one's scar. It's very tender and painful. He said something about the body's anti-inflammatory process healing the old one's surgical site making this one grow. I'm so confused. I am told I need to have surgery again to have this painful lump removed, but don't know how long I can wait, or if this will just keep happening. Any info on this subject at all would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time!

Dear Michelle: Lipomas are benign tumors of fat which may or may not be painful depending on their proximity to other structures. Once completely removed, they do not usually recur. A possible explanation for the recurrence of your previously removed lipoma is incomplete excision. Your second operation should include complete removal of the tumor and see an end to your symptoms.