Forehead osteoma removal in London
Forehead osteoma removal is a highly specialised procedure which is very commonly performed procedure by our surgeons at Centre for Surgery. A forehead osteoma is a benign tumour which will appear as a hard lump on the forehead. As the osteoma appears on a prominent and noticeable place on the body, it can often negatively impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. In some instances, the osteoma may even be causing pain. To relieve any problems, you may wish to undergo a forehead osteoma removal.
Surgeons at Centre for Surgery regularly perform this type of specialised procedure. This ensures you get the very best possible outcomes after your surgery.
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What is a forehead osteoma?
Forehead osteoma removal is a procedure for surgically removing bony lumps from the forehead. An osteoma is a slow-growing benign tumour composed of mature bone tissue usually found in the skull and neck area of the body that may cause a degree of facial asymmetry. An osteoma is quite uncommon and not thought to be related to any health issues, however, the prominent location and the size can have a big impact on an individual’s life. Most are concerned with the unsightly swollen appearance of the osteoma and in some cases, patients can experience pain and discomfort.
Sometimes, osteomas can develop after a head injury. These types of osteomas can also be treated effectively with our techniques.
If an individual would like the osteoma to be removed, surgical removal is the only viable option.
In rare cases, a forehead lipoma can mimic a forehead osteoma. This is much easier to remove than a forehead osteoma and the procedure can be performed under a local anaesthetic.
Ideal candidates for osteoma removal
Benign tumours commonly found on the forehead include lipoma, dermoid cyst, epidermal cyst, and osteoma. Among these, osteomas occur with frequency in the skull vault and facial skeleton. The frontal sinus is the most frequent location of cranial osteomas. Osteomas are known to keep growing. In general, patients most frequently present with this bony lump in the third and fourth decade of life, and male are affected somewhat more often than women.
Anyone who has a forehead osteoma and wishes for it to be removed will be an appropriate candidate.
You will have to be over 18 years old to undergo this procedure. You will also have to stop smoking prior to the procedure and during the recovery period.
You will need to be in good physical and mental health. It is important to have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with this procedure.
Interested in forehead osteoma removal? Find out more about our finance options.
The osteoma removal procedure
Osteomas are not just lumps like cysts that can be popped, because of which only surgical methods have been found to be an effective way of removing them. Forehead osteoma removal can be performed using two different surgical techniques. Both techniques are easily performed with local anaesthetic alone. There is no need to be asleep for the procedure although this is always an option for those who may feel anxious.
The methods
One approach used is by direct incision as shown in the picture on the left. The cut is made over the osteoma which will leave a small inconspicuous scar. A specialised bone chisel is used to gently remove the lump. The osteoma is exposed and then separated at its base and then removed for a smooth and flat forehead bone. For younger patients where the bone is less hard, the bony lump can often be scraped off to flatten the raised area and give a smooth appearance. This can be performed using minimal access techniques and gives an aesthetically pleasing result as the incision can be hidden in the hairline. The recovery period is very short and people can even go back to work within 24 hours.

At Centre for Surgery, we offer both the direct method and the minimal access method of osteoma removal. The minimal access method results in an incision which is made behind the hairline which will leave a discreet scar. The procedure takes under an hour for completion and the recovery is quite quick.
Recovery after forehead osteoma removal
Forehead osteoma removal is a minimally invasive procedure that has little downtime. It is performed as a day case and you will be able to return home the same day as your surgery.
Most people are able to go back to work the next day itself but there may be a little swelling, which is to be expected. Swelling can be alleviated by applying an ice pack to the area.
You may experience some pain and discomfort following the procedure. This can be managed with appropriate pain medication.
Osteoma Removal Before & After
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FAQs
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Am I a good candidate for forehead osteoma removal?If you have a bony lump on your forehead that naturally grew out of nowhere, it is most likely to be an osteoma. To diagnose this correctly, you will need to have a CT scan to be sure.
Sometimes, osteomas can develop after a knock to the head. This can also be treated effectively with our techniques. -
How is forehead osteoma removal performed at Centre for Surgery?The direct approach and the minimal access approach.
The age of the patient, the size of the osteoma and how close the osteoma is to the brow determine the correct method. -
Will I be under general or local anaesthetic?Forehead osteoma removal can be performed under either local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia to ensure maximum safety optimisation and you will be relaxed and comfortable throughout the whole experience.
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How long does the procedure take?Forehead osteoma removal typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size of the osteoma and if there is more than one.
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Is the procedure going to be painful?There will be local anaesthesia injected which means you will not be in pain during the procedure.
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What is the recovery period like?Forehead osteoma removal is a minimally invasive procedure that has little downtime. Most people are able to go back to work the next day itself but there may be a little swelling, which is to be expected.
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Will I be left with a scar?Both techniques result in small inconspicuous scars.
With the minimal access technique, the incision is made behind the hairline and so it can be covered with a longer hairstyle. -
What are the complications associated with forehead osteoma removal?The supraorbital nerve that provides sensation on the scalp may be injured during the procedure, but if done correctly this risk can be completely avoided.
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Will my forehead osteoma return after having it removed?The surgical methods which our surgeons use result in permanent removal.
What To Expect
Find the right time
Our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators will speak with you to learn about your requirements, it’s all confidential and your information will be used to assess whether forehead osteoma removal is right for you. If the procedure is right for you, we’ll organise a convenient date and time for you to visit to come and visit our patient relationship manager at our bespoke central London clinic.
3D Crisalix imaging
We'll will take time to listen to your needs and requirements and you you will receive a complementary 3D Crisalix scan to enhance your experience. You'll be given a rough idea of guide prices at this stage. You can then be booked in to to see a surgeon of your choice based on their individual field of expertise.
Personalised quote
At the surgical consultation, you will meet directly with the plastic surgeon. The surgeon will thoroughly assess you to determine your suitability and advise of the best options for you. Your surgeon will then explain how the procedure will work including postoperative care. You will receive your personalised quote the next working day from your patient coordinator.