Will forehead lipoma removal leave a scar? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I have a lipoma on my forehead that is getting bigger. I would like to get it removed but am worried about getting a scar on my forehead. I am interested in learning about endoscopic treatment options and pricing. I already have a large forehead and am unsure if this would be a good treatment or if I should just have an incision made over the scar. Thank you

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

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

The traditional technique for forehead lipoma removal will leave a small, usually inconspicuous scar over the area where the lipoma is located (everyone heals differently).  An alternative approach is to remove the lipoma through very small incisions hidden behind the hair line.  This does not leave any visible scars.  All the best!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Lilli1976, thanks for your question and photo! A simple lipoma removal on the forehead is a minimal procedure done under local anesthesia.  The small transverse incision can be concealed in your forehead lines once healed. I always advise patients using a scar cream on their incision to help with healing.  I recommend that your consult with a plastic surgeon for more information. Best of luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend having your forehead lipoma removed by just making a small incision over it.  Ideally, the scar is going to be less noticeable than the lipoma and it usually just blends into a forehead crease.  This is normally a procedure that can be done in the office.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  If an incision is placed directly over the lipoma it will leave a small scar, which should blend into one of your horizontal wrinkles.  If you would like to avoid any scar on the forehead you may be a candidate for endoscopic removal but this typically requires a longer incision in your scalp and the additional risk of hair loss.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your best treatment options.

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

You do not need endoscopic surgery. This lipoma could be removed either by delicate liposucton or by excision through transverse incision on the forehead leaving minimal scar.