Surfers' Unusual Fat Deposits: What You Need to Know
Years of surfing can leave not only vivid impressions but also unusual marks on the body. American doctors have described a rare condition where surfers develop soft fatty deposits on the upper abdomen due to constant contact with their boards.
A study published in JAAD Case Reports details seven cases of this rare condition, termed "liposurfomas." All patients were men aged 40 to 50 who were avid surfers, and they developed soft protrusions of fatty tissue on their upper abdomens. The cause appears to be prolonged lying on the board during paddling, where constant pressure and minor repetitive tissue damage trigger inflammation and regenerative processes, leading to the growth of fat cells in that area.
The size of these deposits can vary with activity levels. When a person surfs more frequently, the deposits gradually increase, while they may decrease during extended breaks.
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Treatment of Liposurfomas
Five out of seven patients agreed to treatment, but two refused surgery as it would mean giving up surfing. Doctors consider these formations benign, so removal is primarily for cosmetic reasons. Due to the limited number of reported cases, it remains unclear whether these deposits can ever become malignant.
Three patients had the deposits surgically removed: doctors extracted a pinkish-orange fatty mass surrounded by a thin collagen sheath. Two others underwent liposuction. In the following months, the treatment results were deemed successful, although one patient experienced partial regrowth of the deposit after liposuction as he continued surfing. A repeat procedure helped achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Not to be Confused with Surfer's Knots
Liposurfomas differ from so-called surfer's knots—hard callous formations that can appear on the knees, feet, and toes of longboard enthusiasts. In contrast, liposurfomas are soft, primarily composed of fat, and occur on the chest or upper abdomen. They are more common among those who ride short boards and paddle lying on their stomachs.
Despite these risks, surfing can be beneficial: studies link it to improved physical health and psychological well-being. Long-term engagement in this sport can also help maintain muscle and nervous system function as one ages.
