Numbness After Removal of Lipoma from Forehead

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!

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

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.

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.