Can heat melt away lipomas without a scalpel?

NCT ID NCT06903208

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Columbia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can safely and effectively treat superficial lipomas—benign fatty lumps under the skin—without leaving a scar. Instead of cutting out the lipoma, a thin needle delivers heat to melt it, guided by ultrasound. The study will measure patient satisfaction, changes in lesion size, and complication rates in adults with small lipomas on the trunk, abdomen, or extremities.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Radiofrequency ablation using the STARMed VIVA Combo RF System, a device that delivers heat through a needle to melt the lipoma.
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a scar-free alternative to surgical removal of lipomas, improving cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early trial (10 people), so results may not apply broadly. Risks include incomplete ablation, recurrence, or complications like infection or skin burns.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lipoma severe cutaneous adverse reaction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LIPOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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