Introduction
Forehead lipomas are benign fatty tumors that can appear in the upper face and often cause aesthetic concerns due to their visibility. While lipomas are typically harmless from a medical standpoint, their location on the face can make them particularly bothersome for patients.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, I would like to share a professional overview of endoscopic forehead lipoma removal, a technique that allows for effective treatment without leaving visible scars on the forehead.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign soft tissue tumor composed of adipose (fat) cells. It can develop on any part of the body, including the scalp, neck, back, and face. Unlike malignant tumors, lipomas are non-cancerous and do not invade surrounding tissues.
Although treatment is not always medically necessary, surgical excision is often recommended in the following cases:
- When the lipoma is growing in size
- When it causes discomfort or functional impairment
- When it raises aesthetic concerns
- When a definitive diagnosis is required
It is important to note that lipomas cannot be definitively diagnosed as benign without histological confirmation, which is only possible through surgical removal and biopsy.
Why the Forehead Requires Special Consideration
The forehead is one of the most visible areas of the face, and any scarring in this region can be difficult to conceal. For this reason, many patients with forehead lipomas delay surgery out of concern for postoperative scars.
However, advancements in endoscopic plastic surgery now allow for the removal of such masses through small, hidden incisions in the scalp, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the forehead.
Clinical Case: Endoscopic Forehead Lipoma Removal
Patient Profile
- Male, 40s
- Presented with a slowly enlarging mass in the central forehead
- Reported progressive growth over several months
Upon physical examination, the mass was soft, mobile, and consistent with the characteristics of a lipoma. To confirm its location and depth, ultrasound examination was conducted.
Ultrasound Findings
- A well-defined lesion approximately 1.1 cm in size
- Located between the frontalis muscle and the periosteum
- Considered relatively deep and not ideal for direct excision due to scarring concerns
Given these findings, endoscopic lipoma excision was selected as the optimal treatment approach.
Surgical Procedure and Outcome
The lipoma was successfully removed via a small scalp incision using an endoscope. The mass was clearly demarcated and measured approximately 1 cm.
As with all surgical specimens, the mass was submitted for histopathological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of a benign lipoma. (It takes about 1week after surgery)
Postoperative Outcome
- Significant improvement in forehead contour
- Minimal swelling or bruising noted immediately after surgery
- Most notably, no visible scar on the forehead
Advantages of Endoscopic Forehead Lipoma Removal
This advanced technique offers several distinct benefits over traditional open excision:
1. No visible scar on the forehead
The small incision is made within the scalp, avoiding any direct cut on the forehead skin. This is ideal for patients concerned about postoperative cosmetic results.
2. Enhanced safety with magnified visualization
The use of an endoscope provides high-definition magnification, allowing for precise dissection and reducing the risk of injury to critical structures such as facial nerves and blood vessels.
Conclusion
Endoscopic forehead lipoma removal is a highly effective and aesthetically favorable technique for treating benign masses in the upper face. At Lively Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing minimally invasive surgical solutions that prioritize both safety and cosmetic outcome.
For patients considering lipoma removal—especially in visible areas such as the forehead—scarless endoscopic techniques can offer peace of mind and natural-looking results.
Should you have any further questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact our clinic.