Lipoma on forehead has returned after removal, what can I do? (Photo)

Question

I had a lipoma removed from my forehead 5 years ago only for it to return. 2 years later I had another surgery which apparently was mostly scar tissue removed. 7 years on and it’s bigger than before. Why would this be and what should I do moving forward?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur under the skin and less commonly within the muscle. They are associated with mild discomfort and a lump underneath the skin. It is always best to talk to an expert plastic surgeon to determine whether the lipoma is possibly a cyst or a tumor or hernia. We would have to remove the lipoma to be sure that it is not something else and we usually do this by sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. If a lipoma is painful, then an exam is needed to make sure it is not compressing on a nerve or whether the diagnosis is different. Aftercare for a lipoma includes gentle compression and Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on the wound.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The cause of lipomas is largely unknown, although there may be a genetic cause in individuals with multiple lipomas. A lipoma is not cancer and usually is harmless, Have a board certified PS remove this 3rd reoccurrence and move on with your life.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  New lipomas can form either spontaneously or as a result of incomplete removal from prior procedures.  The treatment would remain the same - surgical excision and the goal to remove everything to avoid recurrence.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

As you have seen, it is possible for lipomas to come back.  In some cases, if the lipoma is not completely excised, it can grow back.  I would recommend having your lipoma excised again and hopefully, it will not recur.

Lipoma on forehead has returned after removal, what can I do? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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