Lipoma removal and nerve damage? (Photo)

Question

I had a lipoma removed from my right eyebrow and haven’t been able to raise the right side of my face since surgery, it has been 2 weeks since my surgery. Should this concern me or will I regain the ability to raise my right eyebrow? I’m think maybe the glue being tight is is making it to where I cannot scrunch that side of my forehead

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. There is a branch of the facial nerve (temporal n.) that runs along the path of your incision.  If this nerve was injured it would account for the paralysis along the right side of your forehead.  This injury may be due to swelling and stretch, which should improve spontaneously given enough time, but if cut, a repair may be needed.  Only your surgeon can give you the best advice.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is a bit difficult to answer your question without being present when your surgery was done to see how it was performed.  In general, I would say that the movement to the forehead should return after removal of a lipoma to that area.  This could take several weeks to improve though.  If you feel the movement is not improving, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Many thanks of your question.
The temporal (frontal) branch of your facial nerve will have branches in the area of your surgery help power the muscle on your forehead that lifts your eyebrow up. Occasionally these branches can be damaged or irritated by the surgery, but I am sure your operating surgeon will have discussed this with you when you signed your consent form.
You are only two weeks post-surgery and it is more than likely that the nerve is irritated - I would expect this to recover in the coming weeks, however I would encourage you to seek an appointment with your operating surgeon as soon as possible, as they will be best served in advising you and overusing your recovery.
I wish you all the best.
Marcus

Lipoma removal and nerve damage? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Unable to raise right eyebrow

Answer: Unable to raise right eyebrow

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Lipoma removal and nerve damage? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Unable to raise right eyebrow

Answer: Unable to raise right eyebrow

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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.