Endoscopic and ultrasonic removal of a lipoma on the forehead with no facial scarring: practicality of patient's early return to work.

Abstract

We used endoscopy and ultrasonic liposuction to remove lipomas from the forehead to facilitate early return to work. The tumours were approached through a pair of small remote scalp incisions behind the frontal hairline, which continued to subperiosteal dissection, thereby avoiding injury to the supraorbital or supratrochlear neurovascular bundles. The deep surfaces of the lipomas were identified easily through the periosteum by well-illuminated and magnified endoscopic views, and protruded through the periosteal incisions. An ultrasonic cannula was introduced to emulsify and aspirate the lipomas. Parts of the lipomas were extracted by forceps as solid specimens for histopathological evaluation. Preservation of the neurovascular bundles and complete resection of the tumours in the bloodless operative fields were confirmed by direct endoscopic monitoring. Of five patients treated, three returned to their jobs within two postoperative days, with no protective dressings on their faces. There have, to our knowledge, been few reports describing this combination of endoscopy and ultrasonic treatment of forehead lipomas.