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Osteoma RemovalOsteomas 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.
Procedures » Osteoma Removal

Osteoma Removal in Chicago, IL

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.

Table of Contents
  • Before and after
  • Philosophy: How is Dr. Shah different?
  • Ways of Removing Forehead Osteoma
  • Osteoma removal case study and testimonial
  • Patient story
  • Recovery Time
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Us

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.

Osteoma Removal Chicago Patient 1 Before
Osteoma Removal | Before
Osteoma Removal Chicago Patient 1 After
Osteoma Removal | After

*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

Osteoma Removal Figure A
Osteoma Removal Figure A

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

Osteoma Removal Figure B
Osteoma Removal Figure B

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

Osteoma Removal Figure C
Osteoma Removal Figure C

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.

Osteoma Removal Figure D
Osteoma Removal Figure D

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.

Osteoma Case Study in Chicago, IL
*Actual Patient – Before Removal by Dr. Shah (left) and After Removal (right)

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

Are all bumps on the foreheads osteomas or lipomas?

No, there are a variety of medical conditions and normal anatomic variations which can mimic either.

Do I always need a CT scan?

Not necessarily. When the diagnosis is highly certain, imaging may not be necessary. Typically, lipomas do not need CT scans.

How can you tell a lipoma from an osteoma?

Since osteomas are fixed to the bone, there is no movement. Lipomas will move (sometimes fairly subtle).

Is the removal painful?

Typically it is fairly pain free experience often equated to a dental procedure.

Do I need anesthesia?

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.

Can I see the osteoma or lipoma when it is removed?

Yes, patients often want to see the osteoma or lipoma.

What is the number one reason why patients have forehead bumps removed?

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.

Do bumps grow back?

If the bump is an osteoma or lipoma there is always a chance for recurrence. Dr. Shah’s recurrence rate is less than 1%.

Will I have a bruise?

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.

Will I have numbness afterwards?

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

  • Dear Jennifer, Hollis & Mia, & if I’m forgetting anyone else! Thank you so much for all…

    • 5 stars
    • Real patient

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.


Author

This article was written by Dr. Anil Shah, MD, FACS. Last Modified: 11/13/2020

Surgical Procedures

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