Lipoma removal and nerve damage? (Photo)

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

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. 

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.