Excision of Benign Lumps and Bumps including Endoscopic ‘Scarless’ Techniques
Benign skin lumps and bumps are common and usually harmless—but they can be a source of discomfort, concern, or cosmetic distress. Plastic surgeons offer expert excision techniques to remove them with minimal scarring and maximum precision. For select areas like the forehead, advanced endoscopic “scarless” techniques are available to preserve your natural beauty without visible marks.
What Are Benign Lumps and Bumps?
Benign lesions are non-cancerous growths that form under or on the skin. These include:
- Epidermal cysts / sebaceous cysts
- Lipomas
- Dermoid cysts
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Skin tags
- Neurofibromas
- Osteomas
While these lesions are not life-threatening, they may grow, become inflamed or infected, or affect your appearance—especially in exposed areas like the face or scalp.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Removal?
Plastic surgeons are specially trained to remove skin lumps with:
-
Precise surgical technique
-
Minimal scarring, especially in visible areas
-
Aesthetic closure, using meticulous suture techniques
-
Experience with complex or recurring lesions
-
Scar placement within natural skin creases or hairlines
Treatment Options
Conventional Excision
For most skin lumps, a small incision is made directly over or near the lesion. The lump is carefully removed, and the incision is closed.
Endoscopic “Scarless” Forehead Lump Removal
This is a minimally invasive technique where an incision is made within the hairline. An endoscope (tiny camera) is used to visualise the lump, allowing dissecion and removal through that incision.
This technique is ideal for patients concerned about facial scarring and is especially effective for forehead lipomas and osteomas. It is not suitable for sebaceous cysts due to involvement of the skin hence requiring excision of the skin.
What to Expect
- Preoperative consultation includes a detailed assessment. If deemed necessary, an Ultrasound or CT scan will be performed.
- The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation for most excisions.
- Procedure time ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Results are immediate, with gradual improvement in scar appearance over time.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Avoid strenuous activity for 1 week.
- Sutures are usually removed within 5-7 days (unless absorbable sutures are used)
- Follow post-operative instructions for wound care and scar management.
- Scar creams or laser therapy may be recommended to enhance healing
For the endoscopic technique
- A small drain will be inserted and removed in 1-2 days to drain any fluid and blood
- There will also be a compression dressing placed over the forehead
Risks and Complications
Although generally safe, excision may carry minor risks:
- Bleeding or bruising and swelling
- Infection
- Scarring or poor wound healing
- Recurrence of the lump
- Temporary numbness, especially in forehead procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most benign lumps do not need to be removed unless they grow, become painful, or are cosmetically undesirable.
This is a medical procedure but confirmation of the diagnosis with histology is required. It usually covered by insurance and medisave. However, patients are advised to check with their insurance company regarding the terms of their coverage.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation and is well tolerated, with minimal discomfort post-procedure.
Most patients resume work within 1–2 days, especially for facial lumps.
Complete removal reduces the risk of recurrence. However, some cysts or lipomas may return if not excised in entirety.