A small bony bump on the forehead — typically smooth, hard, and visible only at certain angles or when the light hits it a particular way — is most commonly an osteoma. These benign bony growths are not dangerous, do not pose a health threat, and rarely cause functional problems. But they can be visible, embarrassing, and uncomfortable for the patients who have them, particularly when located in prominent forehead positions. Modern endoscopic surgical technique allows osteoma removal with minimal incision, no visible forehead scarring, and rapid recovery — a dramatic improvement over older techniques that often left a long, conspicuous scar at the very location patients were trying to refine. At Los Angeles Plastic Surgery, Dr. John Anastasatos removes forehead osteomas through hidden hairline incisions, preserving the cosmetic appearance of the forehead while permanently removing the bony growth. For patients exploring osteoma treatment alongside other forehead and brow procedures, this page outlines what to expect.

Dr. Anastasatos performs osteoma removal at his Beverly Hills practice with peer-vetted authority on complex surgical decision-making. Dr. Anastasatos serves as an Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California — a credential reflecting the standards California’s medical licensing board itself trusts him to evaluate, particularly relevant for procedures that combine cosmetic and reconstructive considerations. He completed his plastic surgery training under Dr. Luis Vasconez at the University of Alabama at Birmingham — the surgeon who pioneered modern endoscopic forehead surgery — providing the foundational endoscopic training that makes minimally invasive osteoma removal possible. With over two decades of facial surgical expertise in Beverly Hills since 2007, he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

What Is an Osteoma?

An osteoma is a benign bony growth that develops on the surface of the skull. Forehead osteomas (also called osteoid osteomas in some clinical contexts) are the most common location, typically presenting as a smooth, hard, fixed bump under the skin of the forehead. They grow slowly over months or years, often going unnoticed until the patient feels them while washing their face or sees them in a particular light.

Forehead osteomas are:

• Benign — they are not cancerous and do not become cancerous over time
• Slow-growing — they typically develop gradually over months or years
• Painless — most osteomas produce no symptoms beyond their visible appearance
• Stable — once they reach a certain size, they typically do not grow indefinitely
• Genetic in some cases — multiple osteomas can run in families and may be associated with certain syndromes that warrant evaluation

While osteomas pose no health threat, the visible appearance can be cosmetically concerning. Patients often describe self-consciousness in photographs, certain hairstyles that emphasize the bump, or simply a desire for the forehead to be smooth.

Traditional vs. Endoscopic Osteoma Removal

Older approaches to osteoma removal required either a long incision in the scalp above the hairline (extending across part or all of the forehead) or, in some cases, a direct incision at the position of the osteoma itself on the forehead. These techniques effectively removed the growth, but they had several drawbacks:

• Visible scarring — particularly when the incision was placed directly on the forehead at the osteoma location
• Longer recovery time — larger incisions required more healing
• Higher risk of cranial nerve injury — the open approach increased the surgical exposure of nearby nerves
• More noticeable post-surgical changes to the forehead skin

Dr. Anastasatos prefers less invasive surgical methods whenever possible, and for osteoma removal, this means an endoscopic approach that produces dramatically better cosmetic outcomes with reduced surgical risk.

How Endoscopic Osteoma Removal Works

The endoscopic procedure is performed through a single small incision — typically less than one inch wide — placed above the hairline where it will be hidden by hair. There is no incision placed on the forehead at the osteoma location. Through this hidden incision, an endoscope (a small camera with surgical instruments) is advanced beneath the skin to the position of the osteoma.

The skull is reshaped at the osteoma location, with the bony growth removed using specialized endoscopic instruments. The forehead skin remains continuous and undisturbed at the surface — once the underlying bone is corrected, the skin lays flat naturally over the smoother skull contour. The forehead is left completely unmarred from the procedure.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia in most cases, with light sedation if preferred. Surgery typically takes one to two hours depending on the size and number of osteomas being removed.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from endoscopic osteoma removal is genuinely minimal:

• Mild discomfort at the small hairline incision, well-managed by oral medication
• Brief swelling at the surgical site that resolves over several days
• Hair-camouflaged scar that becomes nearly invisible once the small incision heals
• Forehead appearance is smooth and unmarked by the procedure

Most patients return to normal activity within a few days. Strenuous activity is restricted briefly to allow proper healing. The result is permanent — the osteoma does not regrow once removed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoma Removal

Are forehead osteomas dangerous?

Forehead osteomas are benign and do not pose a health threat. They are not cancerous and do not become cancerous. Most patients pursue removal for cosmetic reasons rather than medical necessity. In some cases — multiple osteomas, unusual locations, or rapid growth — additional medical evaluation may be appropriate, and Dr. Anastasatos will discuss this during consultation.

Will the procedure leave a visible scar?

The endoscopic approach places the incision above the hairline, where it is hidden by hair and becomes nearly invisible once healed. There is no incision placed directly on the forehead at the osteoma location. The forehead skin remains continuous and unscarred from the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

Most endoscopic osteoma removals take one to two hours depending on the size and number of osteomas. The procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery, and most patients return home the same day.

Is general anesthesia required?

For most cases, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. General anesthesia may be appropriate for patients with multiple osteomas, particularly large osteomas, or patient preference for deeper anesthesia. Dr. Anastasatos discusses anesthesia options during consultation.

Will the osteoma grow back?

No. Once the bony growth is surgically removed, it does not regrow at that location. Some patients with multiple osteomas may develop new growths at other locations — this represents new osteoma formation rather than regrowth of the removed lesion.

Can the procedure be combined with brow lift or hairline lowering?

Yes. Patients pursuing comprehensive forehead aesthetic refinement may have osteoma removal performed simultaneously with brow lift, hairline lowering, or other forehead procedures. This consolidates recovery into a single period.

Why Choose Dr. Anastasatos for Osteoma Removal

• Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer: Peer-vetted authority on complex surgical decision-making.
• Trained by Dr. Luis Vasconez at UAB: Foundational endoscopic forehead surgery training under one of history’s foremost plastic surgeons.
• Two Decades of Beverly Hills Practice: Sustained experience in facial surgery since 2007.
• Endoscopic-First Surgical Philosophy: Preferred use of small, hidden incisions for minimal scarring and rapid recovery.
• Hidden Hairline Incision Technique: No visible forehead scar from the procedure.
• Board-Certified, FACS, ASPS, and ASAPS: Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and full membership in the specialty’s most respected peer societies.
• Outpatient Procedure With Local Anesthesia: Same-day procedure with minimal recovery for most patients.
• Combined Procedure Capability: Osteoma removal available alone or combined with brow lift, hairline lowering, or other forehead procedures.
• Top 10 International Recognition: Named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

Schedule Your Osteoma Removal Consultation in Beverly Hills

If you have a visible bump on your forehead that has gradually become apparent over time, an endoscopic osteoma removal can permanently address the cosmetic concern with minimal recovery and no visible forehead scarring. Dr. Anastasatos welcomes patients to the Beverly Hills office at 436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 202, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, for a private consultation evaluating your osteoma and outlining the surgical approach. Contact us at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery to schedule your osteoma removal consultation with Dr. Anastasatos.