Numbness After Removal of Lipoma from Forehead

Question

I had a forehead lipoma removed a couple of days ago and am still experiencing numbness on my head on the side of the surgery. Is this normal and if so...how long will it take for the numbness to go away?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Forehead lipomas are almost always under the muscle.

	There are sensory nerves above the muscle and below the muscle.

	They are stretched, sometimes some fibers are cut. You will have numbness for varying peroid of time . If the numbness persists beyond  3-6 month then it is permanent. Most will come back

Jeremiah P. Tao, MD · Answer

Some numbness can be normal after any type of incisional surgery. The sensation will usually return over time, sometimes in a matter of weeks, but other times it may take many months. Rarely, numbness can be permanent, but even so, usually is not a problem since the brain adjusts to it.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Numbness suggests malfunctioning of a sensory nerve. A sensory nerve may not function due to a temporary or a permanent malfunction. The sensation to the forehead comes through 2 nerves that start just under each brow and move up to the front scalp. Any injury to them will result in numbness. Temporary malfunction in - hrs - can be caused by infiltration of a local anesthetic), days-weeks (pulled (traction injury) nerve). Permanent numbness is usually the result of a nerve transection / division. Talk to your surgeon to ascertain if this could be a temporary issue or a permanent problem.

Numbness After Removal of Lipoma from Forehead

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Numbness After Removal of Lipoma from Forehead

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Answer: Numbness after Forehead Lipoma Removal

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