The appearance of a hard lump on the forehead may be a sign of an osteoma. These bony tumors are usually benign, and most do not cause discomfort. However, they do not go away on their own and they can become an aesthetic concern. Many people with osteomas prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. At pēkomd® plastic surgery center, we offer surgical osteoma removal at our facility in Toledo, OH.
The exact cause of osteomas is not known, but they rarely cause any medical problems. While some patients report discomfort from their growths, the most common concern is their appearance. While osteomas can appear on other long bones on the body, they often sprout from the skull in the forehead area. While they grow very slowly, over the years they can become very noticeable. In some cases, they may impact wearing a hat or other headgear, depending on the location of the osteoma.
Osteoma Plastic Surgery
Osteoma removal is a cosmetic, elective procedure in most cases. To remove the bony growth, a small incision is made in the skin, and a device is used to carefully remove the layers of the lump. In many cases, osteoma surgery can be performed using endoscopic techniques. The incisions can be made behind the hairline to hide the scars, and an endoscope can be used to view the osteoma. Small endoscopic instruments are used to scrape away the bony growth without requiring an incision on the forehead.
In most cases, osteoma removal can be performed under local anesthesia for a safer experience for the patient. Recovery and downtime are minimal – most patients are able to return to most normal activities in a day or two. With endoscopic osteoma removal, the incisions are very small and well hidden on the scalp behind the hairline.
If you have an osteoma that you want removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons, come see our team at pēkomd® cosmetic surgery center. Dr. Peter Koltz is a board certified and experienced plastic surgeon who offers safe osteoma removal surgery at our Toledo, OH, clinic. Contact our practice today to schedule an osteoma removal consultation to explore your options.