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
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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
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.
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.
Testimonials
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.