Can I remove a lump on my forehead and how much? (Photo)

Question

There is a small lipoma/lump on my left forehead it's been there for close to 10 years, Wasn't there from birth it just developed so i want to remove it if possible

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

From the photo it is either a lipoma, which is soft, or an osteoma, which would feel like bone.  Either way removal should be simple and I would perform it under local anesthesia,  I would do it through a small incision behind your hairline so there is no visible scar.  Cost would be around $1250 total.

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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,Lipoma removal on the scalp can be removed and is not dangerous if it is in fact a lipoma.  Rare cases of fatty tumors have been described.  Most often it is removed under local anesthesia comfortably and best to have a lipoma removed with a minimal incision.  
Best,

Anil Shah

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

From your photo, it appears to be a lipoma or cyst, both of which can be removed by a plastic surgeon. I would remove sooner before it gets any larger. These are benign growths and nothing to be worried about other than the cosmetic appearance. Cost is ~ $1,500. Best,

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

There are several possibilities as to what type of lesion this might be on the forehead. Lipomas (fatty growths) and osteomas (bony growths) on the forehead are most common, but there are other possibilities as well. Either of these can be removed surgically, but it depends on the technique and the type of lesion to determine the cost. In some cases, health insurance might get involved as well, but often these types of lesions are solely a cosmetic issue. Be sure to see an expert for an-person exam and recommendations.All the best,

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

I have removed numerous lesion similar to yours and have to say it is common practice in my office!  Find a surgeon that has done many and very familiar with this to do it efficiently.  These lesions are adherent and there are blood vessels and nerves and muscle layer to reach it.  So it is NOT a surgery to be done by less experienced.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

An examination would be needed to determine what the lump might be on your forehead.  If it is soft and movable, it is likely a lipoma.  If it is hard and rigid, it could be bone.  Both of these issues can be improved with surgery, but the cost will vary, depending on what the mass is.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. That growth on your forehead is probably a lipoma, but there are other possibilities. But if you see an expert he/she should be able to review your options and send for a pathologic analysis after your surgery. Removing a large growth from the face requires a delicate touch and expert skills -- many doctors remove facial growths, few seem to be artistic about it. I expect that your growth is located quite deeply and will require precise surgery to remove. One challenge is to remove that mass and not leave a large divot and I am sure your surgeon will discuss that with you in detail. Cost is probably in the $2000-$3000 range with a cosmetic surgeon but costs vary.
Please seek out a board certified, fellowship trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in cosmetic mole and facial growth removal. Avoid doctors that are not experts in this precise form of plastic surgery.  I have removed thousands of cysts and lipomas from around people's eyelids and faces -- including the forehead -- throughout my career and each presents its own challenges. Many patients travel great distances to see me for my particular expertise in this area. 
Best of luck in your search!
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Priti P. Patel, MD · Answer

It's best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to assess your condition and schedule you for the procedure.  They will be able to determine the characteristics of the mass and the best method of removal for you.  Most insurances would cover this.  All the best!