# Minimal One-Quarter Incision and Four-Step (MOQIF) Excision Method for Subcutaneous Lipoma

## TL;DR

A new surgical method called MOQIF successfully removes lipomas through smaller incisions with good cosmetic results and low complications.

## Contribution

Introduces the MOQIF technique, using one-quarter incisions for lipoma excision, previously unstudied in this proportion.

## Key findings

- All lipomas were completely excised through incisions one-quarter the length of the lipoma’s long axis.
- Low complication rates and high patient satisfaction were observed with no recurrences at follow-up.
- Cosmetic outcomes were comparable across different lipoma sizes using the MOQIF method.

## Abstract

Background: Lipomas are common benign subcutaneous neoplasms treated surgically for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons. The minimal one-third incision and four-step (MOTIF) technique provides reliable excision with minimal scarring, but smaller proportional incisions remain unstudied. This study evaluates the minimal one-quarter incision and four-step (MOQIF) technique. Methods: Retrospective review of 82 patients undergoing MOQIF excision of histologically confirmed subcutaneous lipomas by a single surgeon from July 2024–December 2025 was done. Lipomas were stratified by maximum diameter: small-intermediate (<5 cm) and large (≥5 cm). MOQIF used a one-quarter incision of the lipoma’s long axis determined by preoperative ultrasound measurement and palpation with four steps: hydro dissection preserving superficial subcutaneous tissue, superficial dissection, staged deep dissection with selective cautery of fibrovascular septa, and intact mass delivery. Outcomes included excision length, postoperative complications, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores, recurrence, and subjective treatment satisfaction of patients. Results: Mean lipoma size was 6.8 ± 2.0 cm (75.6% ≥5 cm). All lipomas were completely excised through 1.69 ± 0.49 cm incisions (ratio 0.25). Complications were low: seroma 10.98% (16.7% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.404), hematoma 7.3% (11.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.608), with no infections, nerve injuries, or recurrences at a mean 8.9-month follow-up. VSS scores were equivalent between groups (0.83 vs. 1.06; p = 0.438) and overall patient satisfaction was high (3.54 ± 0.53 (2–4)). Conclusions: MOQIF achieves complete lipoma excision through one-quarter incisions with safety and cosmetic outcomes across lipoma sizes, demonstrating feasibility through standardized technique refinement and careful case selection.