Are these lipomas? Possible treatments? (photos)

Question

I believe I have had these my whole life. Or got them young by smashing my head, not sure. They move when I move my eyebrows so they don't seem to be bone. They can get irritated, sometimes ache and turn red when touched alot(like when cycling with a bike helmet). Any help on what these are and possible treatments?

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Based on the pictures, these very well could be lipomas if they're soft and move with the skin. Osteomas are bony projections on the forehead bone but they don't move with elevation of the skin. A CT scan of the face would be a good starting point to see what's going on underneath the skin. If they drain or get infected, they could be skin cysts though the size and multiple locations would be unusual. Visit with a facial plastic surgeon to see if you can determine more about what's going on. Best of luck!

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Affectionate889740,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like lipomas or cysy. Both can be removed under local anesthesia. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Are these lipomas? Possible treatments? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are these lipomas? Possible treatments? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.