Forehead Osteoma Removal London & UK
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 in 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.
Some alternative terms for forehead osteoma removal include:
- Forehead tumour removal
- Forehead lump removal
- Forehead bone growth removal
- Forehead bony protrusion removal
- Forehead cyst removal
- Forehead mass removal
- Forehead bone excision
- Forehead lesion 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.
What is a Forehead Osteoma?
A forehead osteoma is a type of benign bone tumour that grows on the forehead. It is a slow-growing, round or oval-shaped mass of bone that is generally painless and usually found in the upper forehead region.
Forehead osteomas can be of different sizes and can be visible or hidden under the skin. They can be present at birth or develop later in life, usually during early adulthood. The exact cause of osteomas is not well understood, but they are believed to be caused by a genetic mutation or a traumatic injury.
The diagnosis of a forehead osteoma is usually made by a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options for forehead osteomas depend on the size, location, and symptoms of the tumour. Smaller osteomas that are not causing any symptoms may not require treatment and can be monitored for any changes.
Surgical removal is recommended for larger or growing osteomas, or those causing cosmetic or functional concerns. The procedure involves making an incision over the osteoma and removing the tumour along with any surrounding tissue.
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.
Osteoma Removal Before & After
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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 men 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
The two main techniques for forehead osteoma removal are the open excision method and the endoscopic method. The choice of technique used depends on the size, location, and shape of the osteoma.
The open excision method is the most commonly used technique for the removal of forehead osteomas. This method involves making a small incision on the scalp above the osteoma. The surgeon then carefully removes the osteoma and repairs the incision with sutures. The open excision method is preferred for larger osteomas or those that have an irregular shape.
The endoscopic method is a less invasive technique for removing smaller osteomas. This technique involves making several small incisions on the scalp and using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to remove the osteoma. The surgeon can then use sutures or special surgical tape to close the incisions. The endoscopic method is preferred for smaller osteomas that are located closer to the surface of the skin.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain medication can be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. The patient will also need to keep the surgical area clean and dry to avoid infection.
One approach used is by direct incision, as shown in the picture on the right. The cut is made over the osteoma, which will leave a small inconspicuous scar. A specialised bone chisel is used to remove the lump gently. The osteoma is exposed, separated at its base, and removed for a smooth and flat forehead bone. For younger patients with less hard bone, 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 as shown in the left picture and gives an aesthetically pleasing result as the incision can be hidden in the hairline.

At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons 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 to complete.
Recovery after forehead osteoma removal
The recovery period after forehead osteoma removal can vary depending on the size of the osteoma and the surgical technique used. Generally, recovery after osteoma removal is relatively quick and most patients can return to their daily activities within a week or two.
Immediately following the surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising in the affected area. You may also experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Cold compresses may be used to reduce swelling and bruising.
It is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry for the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for the incision site and when you can resume normal activities like showering and washing your hair.
In most cases, sutures are removed approximately one week after the procedure. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding suture removal and care of the incision site to ensure proper healing.
During the recovery period, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least two weeks after the procedure. You should also avoid any activities that may put pressure on the incision site.
It is normal to experience some mild discomfort, itching, and numbness in the surgical area as you heal. However, if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact your surgeon immediately.
Scarring is a common concern for patients undergoing forehead osteoma removal. However, with proper care and attention, the scar can be minimized and eventually fade over time. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how to care for the incision site and how to minimise scarring.
FAQs
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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. -
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. -
What are the different techniques for forehead osteoma removal?There are different techniques for forehead osteoma removal. The choice of technique depends on the size, location, and shape of the osteoma, as well as the surgeon’s preference and experience. Some of the techniques used for forehead osteoma removal include:
Open excision: This technique involves making a long incision over the forehead, and removing the osteoma with a bone saw or chisel.
Endoscopic approach: This technique is minimally invasive, and involves making several small incisions over the scalp, through which an endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. The osteoma is then removed using a bone saw or chisel.
Burr-hole technique: This technique is suitable for smaller osteomas and involves making a small hole over the osteoma using a surgical drill. The osteoma is then broken into pieces and removed through the hole.
Combination technique: In some cases, a combination of techniques may be used to remove a forehead osteoma. For example, an endoscopic approach may be used to remove the majority of the osteoma, followed by open excision for any remaining bone.
The choice of technique depends on the size and location of the osteoma, as well as the surgeon's preference and experience. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you and recommend the best technique for your specific case. -
What type of anaesthetic is used for forehead osteoma removal?Forehead osteoma removal can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. The type of anaesthesia used will depend on various factors such as the size and location of the osteoma, patient's preference, and surgeon's recommendation. The anaesthetist will discuss the options and help determine the best choice for the patient during the pre-operative consultation.
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How long does osteoma removal take to perform?The duration of forehead osteoma removal surgery can vary depending on the size and location of the osteoma, as well as the chosen surgical technique. On average, the surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. However, this may be longer or shorter depending on the individual case. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the surgical time during your consultation.
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Is forehead osteoma removal painful?Pain is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, forehead osteoma removal is performed under anaesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area, but these symptoms can usually be managed with pain medication and should improve within a few days to a week. Your surgeon will provide you with specific postoperative care instructions to help manage any pain and discomfort.
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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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What does do scars look like after forehead osteoma removal?The appearance of scars after forehead osteoma removal can vary depending on the technique used by the surgeon. If an endoscopic approach is used, the incisions are smaller and the scars may be less visible. However, with an open approach, a longer incision is made, and the scar will be more noticeable. In general, scars can take several months to a year to fully mature and fade. Your surgeon will provide you with post-operative care instructions to help reduce scarring and promote optimal healing.
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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 the forehead osteoma come back after surgical removal?No, the forehead osteoma should not come back after surgical removal. The osteoma is a bony growth, and the surgical removal typically involves completely excising the growth along with any surrounding bone to prevent regrowth. However, it is important to follow proper postoperative care and attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and prevent any complications that could potentially lead to regrowth.
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.
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 on the best options for you. Your surgeon will then explain what the procedure involves, including postoperative care. You will receive your personalised quote the next working day from your patient coordinator.