I have a cyst on my forehead needs removing. What options do I have? (Photo)

Question

I have a cyst or a lipoma i am not sure what it is classified as but i have had it for 6 years it is on the right side of my forehead and it is growing i do not want any nasty scars what options do i have i have been told that i should see a plastic surgeon/ Dermatologist. I have united healthcare.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Is the bump on your forehead hard or soft?  If it is hard, it may be composed of bone.  If it is soft, it could be a lipoma or a cyst.  It would be important to examine you first to try and determine what it is.  The bump could most likely be removed surgically with an incision in an existing forehead crease to help hide the scar.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Forehead lumps can be from the bone or soft tissue.  Some of the more common causes are osteomas (bony tumors), lipomas (fatty tumors), and cysts.  Traditional removal consists of placing an incision over the lump to gain access and extirpate the mass.  This leaves a scar where the incision was placed, albeit inconspicuous when done well.  Alternatively, the masses can often be approached from behind the hairline with small endoscopic instruments.  Usually two small incisions are made and tunneled to the mass for removal and thus leave no visible scars.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

Without an exam to feel the mass, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis.  Regardless, the treatment would be excision.  The incision could be made in a natural forehead crease for optimal scar camouflage and would likely be smaller than the mass itself.  Another option is to make an incision at the hairline and excise the mass from up there.  Be sure you see a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon.  I wish you well!

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

It is probably more likely a lipoma than a cyst. Lipomas in the forehead can generally be easily removed. Often times the incision can be actually smaller than the size of the mass as many lipomas can be easily squeezed out through a smaller incision. Incisions in the forehead tend to heal very well. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Cyst removal can be done directly through an incision along the horizontal direction of the scar (parallel to the forehead lines).  A more invasive (and expensive) option includes an endoscopic approach, thereby hiding the scar in the hairline.  You would likely need to be asleep for this option.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

From the single photo you posted, this appears to be a lipoma of the forehead. During a consultation and procedure with an expert, the precise diagnosis can be learned. I routinely remove growths of the face like this in my office surgical suite and you should be able to have a nice result. Removal of large lipomas can leave some irregularity or depression in the region of the removal, along with some moderate scarring.  Many doctors perform cyst and growth removals, but this growth is in a key spot on your face. Be sure to pick an expert with specific training in this particular type of facial cosmetic surgery.  I would recommend an in-person consultation with a board-certified, fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in forehead lipoma and cyst removals. Ask to see before and after photographs or reviews from prior patients. This is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by health insurance as there is no risk to your health. Good luck to you!
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The most common approach is to make a small incision over the mass and to remove the underlying lump. Typically, your surgeon will have you raise your eyebrows while marking you to enable them to place the incision in an area where it will hide optimally. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Removal of the  lesion should be a relatively simple procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia. The resulting scar should be small and fall within normal transverse expression lines (you will see these when you raise your eyebrows). The “fancier” approach would be to use endoscopy to approach the lesion from above the hairline;  this would place the scar in an unnoticeable location.  This would require more  technology and would likely cost significantly more.   I hope this helps.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This is most likely a lipoma, as it is a common location and appearance for that mass.  It could be a cyst or even something of bony origin; you should see a board-certified plastic surgeon near you to have it assessed.Assuming, though, that it is a lipoma, it can then be removed during a small surgical procedure done under local anesthesia alone.  The incision is usually surprisingly small, as the lipoma can be "squeezed" through a small incision and, while all incisions produce scars and all scars are permanent, the scars in this location tend to be small.And, at any rate, much less noticeable than the mass you have right now.I'd suggest a consultation with a PS and then take it from there.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

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