WHAT IS OSTEOMA REMOVAL?
An Osteoma, or a Forehead Bump, is a type of benign tumor that forms on the bone that can give the appearance of a lump or hard knot on your forehead. Forehead bumps can be caused by a variety of issues including osteomas, lipomas and unevenness of the skull caused by facial fracture. Osteomas are uncommon, but these benign tumors in the bone of the skull can have an unpleasing appearance which could also lead to pain and sight issues. Typically, they are rather slow growing in nature. Other bone tumors are possible and include osteoid osteomas, which can sometimes be distinguished radiologically.
Dr. Shah’s philosophy for this procedure is to remove these tumors via minimally invasive approach. While other surgeons will remove these tumors with large incisions and potential stays in the hospital, Dr. Shah has revolutionized this procedure with a minimal downtime small hidden incision approach. Most of the time he is able to remove these tumors in the office in minutes.
Before and after
Endoscopic forehead osteoma removal is done on an outpatient basis. Due to Dr. Shah’s technique of selectively blocking nerves with local anesthesia, most patients only need minimal anesthetic, allowing for a relatively pain free experience. Many patients are able to return to work either the next day or in a few days.
*Actual Patient of Dr. Shah
Click Here For More Before and After
Philosophy: How is Dr. Shah different?
Dr. Anil Shah is different in that he removes osteomas and lipomas typically with a concealed incision in the scalp and often as a same day in office procedure. Recovery with this approach allows for many patients to return to activities days after the procedure rather than weeks.
Ways of Removing Forehead Osteoma
The classic approach to the removal of forehead osteomas is using an incision along the face. Dr. Shah’s preference is to recontour the bone of the forehead with the use of an endoscope. By making the incision in the scalp, no scar is visible on the face, making scarring virtually invisible. The instruments Dr. Shah uses to reshape the forehead create an improved appearance and smoother to the touch.
CORONAL APPROACH
Traditionally speaking, the removal of osteomas utilizes a coronal scar. As you can see in Figure A., the path of incision is just behind the hairline. There are two main issues with a coronal scar. First of all, the scar can be seen rather easily in some patients and with some hairstyles, particularly shorter hair.In addition, there is a nerve from the patient called the supraorbital nerve which will be cut when performing a coronal incision. This nerve provides sensation to the scalp which can be disconcerting to the patient as they cannot feel their hair when brushing it or combing it.
DIRECT APPROACH
The other approach to removing osteomas has involved direct incision of the lesion over the skin (Figure B.). This can create a visible scar in the forehead and can result in a trade off of removal of the osteoma with a visible scar.
DR. SHAH’S APPROACH
Dr. Shah has pioneered a technique to remove the lesions by concealing the scar in the scalp. By hiding the small incision within the scalp (as highlighted in Figure C.), the patient can have an incision which is difficult to see.
While it is technically more difficult to remove the osteoma from this approach, it does allow for a more pleasing aesthetic outcome. Dr. Shah has perfected this procedure and his removal process uses a minimal evasive path of dissection (as represented by the yellow cone in Figure D.) that allows for limited visible swelling and cuts down on the recovery time that a patient would have with a coronal or direct incision. Patients are ready to go back to their daily lives in no time at all.
Osteoma removal case study and testimonial
One of the greatest parts of being a facial plastic surgeon is that there are a number of ways of performing one procedure. I think anyone who does things “by the book” loses out on the creative element necessary to be a successful plastic surgeon.
For example, this patient had a forehead osteoma, which is a hard lump on her forehead. (See photographs with blue outline). She has a history of keloids, or forming large thick scars. Rather than place a large scar on her forehead, I used an endoscope (an instrument the size of a drinking straw) and specially designed narrow instruments.From a small incision, I was able to contour the forehead so that she did not have a large bump on it and continue to wear her hair short and with confidence, avoiding a visible scar and any disruption of her hairline.
Patient story
Dan is a patient of Dr. Shah’s who received this forehead bump procedure to remove his osteoma. This is his journey to help better understand what to expect from this procedure.
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- Real patient
Recovery Time
Recovery from osteoma removal is typically quick. Endoscopic forehead osteoma removal is done on an outpatient basis. Many patients can return to work in 1-4 days and many return to full physical activity in 2 weeks. Many patients have the option to fly in and fly out the same day making osteoma removal process easy and convenient for most.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are a variety of medical conditions and normal anatomic variations which can mimic either.
Not necessarily. When the diagnosis is highly certain, imaging may not be necessary. Typically, lipomas do not need CT scans.
Since osteomas are fixed to the bone, there is no movement. Lipomas will move (sometimes fairly subtle).
Typically it is fairly pain free experience often equated to a dental procedure.
Most patients are able to do the procedure comfortably in the office. Patients always have the option to have the procedure performed under general anesthesia or in OR setting especially if they have difficulty “numbing” with local anesthesia.
Yes, patients often want to see the osteoma or lipoma.
Often times it is because patients notice that when they are conversing with others that their eyes are focused on the bump rather than making eye contact. Other patients notice that they are forced to wear bangs.
If the bump is an osteoma or lipoma there is always a chance for recurrence. Dr. Shah’s recurrence rate is less than 1%.
Depends on location of forehead bump and whether or not you have a tendency to bruise easily. Most patients do not bruise when the osteoma is located near the hairline while osteomas near the brow area have a higher incidence of bruising.
Typically our patients do not experience numbness. This is in part due to the design of Dr. Shah’s incision (parallel to the sensory nerves) as well as his anatomic dissection plane.
About Us
Dr. Shah is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who has written over 50 scientific articles including three landmark articles about facial anatomy revolutionizing the way plastic surgery is performed. Dr. Shah specializes in Osteoma Removal and takes an analytical approach to patient recovery after the procedure. Based in Chicago, IL; Dr. Shah is not only recognized as one of the top plastics surgeon not only in the city of Chicago, but in the world.