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Osteoma Removal

HomeOsteoma Removal

Osteoma removal is a procedure that is aimed to remove osteomas, benign growths of new bones on top of the existing bone. To remove an osteoma, the best-rated plastic surgeon in New York, Dr. Linkov uses endoscopic techniques to access the bony growth under the skin. With endoscopic tools, the osteoma is accessed through the incision and the lump of bone is carefully shaved and removed. City Facial Plastics in Manhattan, NY offers osteoma removal that can restore a flat, smooth forehead or brow.

Osteoma Removal
  • Top-rated New York facial plastic surgeon

What Is Forehead Osteoma Removal?

An osteoma first needs to be properly identified. Then a surgical plan is devised based on the size of the osteoma, surgeon preference, and patient preference. The ultimate goal is to safely remove the mass, with limited downtime and a great cosmetic result.

Osteomas are benign, typically small bone tumors. They may be found in the nasal sinuses or on the frontal bone of the forehead. Diagnosis is usually straightforward on CT scan, where they appear as rounded, bone-density mass lesions. There is a traumatic theory of osteoma development that correlates the development of osteoma with a prior trauma. Most osteomas are asymptomatic, though some may cause functional and cosmetic concerns.

What Does Brow Bump Removal Surgery Involve?

Removing one or more osteomas can be a relief to those with these growths. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia at our surgery clinic. The recovery and downtime after the procedure are minimal since only a small incision is needed for the procedure. In most cases, patients return to their daily routine immediately.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Osteoma Removal?

Other benign tumors commonly found on the forehead include lipoma, dermoid cyst, and epidermal cyst. It is important to differentiate between these and an osteoma before planning for osteoma removal. After the CT scan and physical examination, an experienced facial plastic surgeon in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Dr. Linkov will be able to tell you if you have an osteoma and offer you options for removal.

The most important factor to assess with the imaging is if the back of the frontal bone (posterior table) is intact because rarely there is a communication with the brain which would warrant a more complicated removal and repair.

How Is Osteoma Removal Done?

Osteoma removal is generally performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia alone may be an option for select patients. All approaches to this procedure involve dissecting down to the bone and removing the osteoma with a combination of an osteotome and drill.

There are four main types of surgical approaches to reach the osteoma for removal:

  • Direct
    In a direct approach, the incision is made in the skin directly over the osteoma. The incision is placed horizontally into an existing forehead wrinkle line. This approach is appropriate for small tumors. A visible scar may result
  • Endoscopic
    With an endoscopic osteoma removal, incisions (usually two) are made behind the hairline and small cameras are used to visualize the osteoma. There are no visible scars on the forehead with the endoscopic approach and the scalp incisions are kept to a minimum.
  • Coronal
    In a coronal approach, an incision is broadly made behind the hairline. Useful for large tumors and if conspicuous scars are unacceptable. A drawback is scalp numbness that may last for many months or even be permanent. Another risk is an injury to the facial nerve. Recovery is prolonged due to the degree of dissection.
  • Anterior Hairline
    An extended approach for larger tumors that involves an incision made just in front of the hairline (pretrichial), or it can be done just behind the frontal most hairs (trichophytic). Dissection is performed towards the osteoma in a subcutaneous plane and incision onto the osteoma is made vertically to preserve sensation to the scalp (protecting the deep branch of the supraorbital nerve). The incision line is shorter than for a traditional coronal approach. The scar may be visible and some hair loss may result.

How to Prepare for Osteoma Removal?

Once you have decided to undergo osteoma removal, Dr. Linkov, as a top-rated plastic surgeon in New York City, will discuss in detail how to prepare for your surgery.

There are a few steps you should take before the procedure in order to get the best results. These steps include:

  • Avoiding certain medications and supplements that may thin the blood, such as:
    • NSAIDs – ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen
    • Aspirin
    • Vitamin E
  • Stop smoking, as tobacco products can decrease blood flow to the skin and compromise the healing of the surgical site
  • Pick up medications at a pharmacy if prescribed, such as:
    • An antibiotic
    • Pain medication

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure?

On the day of your osteoma removal surgery at City Facial Plastics in UES, Manhattan, if you are getting deep sedation anesthesia, it is important not to eat or drink 6 hours before your scheduled surgery. Osteoma removal is typically performed under deep sedation with an anesthesiologist, so there will be no pain during the surgery and you will have no recollection of the procedure.

You will be asked to change into a surgical gown and women of child-bearing age will need to take a pregnancy test. The intake process can take about an hour, the surgery usually takes 1-3 hours, and recovery will be about another hour. If performed under local anesthesia, the area is thoroughly numbed before any incision is made.

What Is the Recovery From Osteoma Removal?

A compression dressing may be placed at the conclusion of the osteoma removal and can be removed in 24 hours. It is okay to shower the day after the procedure. Localized bruising and swelling are possible for 1-2 weeks, especially if a larger osteoma is removed. If non-dissolvable sutures are placed they are removed on day 5-7 after surgery.

The incision, if on the forehead, can stay red for weeks to months. Scar gel is recommended for incisions for up to 3 months once the skin seals closed at about 10-14 days. It is best to avoid direct sun exposure to the treated area for several months after surgery. If hair loss develops, it will usually start to grow back after several months.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Osteoma Removal?

Risks and complications of osteoma removal include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor scarring
  • Undesirable aesthetic result
  • Nerve damage
  • Recurrence
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Are Patients Satisfied After Osteoma Removal?

Having a bump on the forehead is difficult to cover up and can lead to high levels of distress. Using minimally invasive technique, a forehead osteoma can be safely removed. Osteoma removal NYC is associated with high satisfaction rates.

Is Osteoma Removal Covered by Insurance?

Insurance will not cover osteoma removal for cosmetic purposes only. If symptoms exist, such as pain or other functional problems, then your health insurance carrier might cover the expense. Check-in advance with your insurance provider regarding the details of your healthcare plan. Please keep in mind that board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Linkov is an out-of-network provider, but does offer financing options.

What Is the Cost of Osteoma Removal in New York?

If you are paying out of pocket, the osteoma removal cost will vary based on several factors. Practice location and expertise of the surgeon are two of the main factors that will determine how much this type of surgery will cost.

Another factor to consider is the size of the osteoma and the total number of osteomas to be removed, as some patients have multiple osteomas. Anesthesia and facility fees also contribute to total costs.

Who Is the Best Osteoma Removal Surgeon in NYC?

Dr. Gary Linkov is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Manhattan, NYC specializing in facial aesthetic surgery. Dr. Linkov is the best specialist with extensive experience treating all conditions of the head and neck. He is the Chief of Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery for the Veterans Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, where he operates on complex facial conditions impacting our country’s veterans. Dr. Linkov’s private practice in NYC focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery. He is an expert in forehead osteoma removal.

If you or your child have osteomas that are embarrassing or uncomfortable, osteoma removal can help you feel more confident in your appearance. You can contact City Facial Plastics Midtown, Manhattan to schedule a consultation with a leading plastic surgeon Dr. Linkov. Have your osteoma examined, and get an expert recommendation for removal.

★★★★★

Dr. Linkov is the next big name in plastics in NYC. He is extremely knowledgable and skillful. Whats most important, he really cares about his patients and always has their best interest. A++ highly recommend!
Jay Feldman

Dr. Gary Linkov, MD

Dr. Linkov is a double board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. A native of New York, Dr. Linkov graduated as a salutatorian from Cornell University and received his Medical Degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Linkov conducted advanced head and neck cancer research at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Linkov is a former Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University (NYU), where he taught Rhinoplasty.

Dr. Linkov is a top-rated facial plastic surgeon in New York who specializes in lip lift, facelift, rhinoplasty, and hair transplant. He has been named one of the top 5 lip lift surgeons in the United States, is listed in the prestigious SuperDoctors New York™ registry, and has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, where he discussed the state-of-the-art hair transplantation procedure.

Page Updated on Jul 11, 2022 by  Dr. Gary Linkov  (Facial Plastic Surgeon) of  City Facial Plastics in New York.
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