What Causes An Indention Line On Forehead After An Injury?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 5 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my 7 month old fell into the edge of a wooden toy 2.5 weeks ago. The fall caused swelling and a bump along with a dent, the swelling and bruise have subsided for the most part but the dent is still present. When you feel along the indention it feels hard (not really sure how to describe). She was checked out by her doctor after the incident occurred. The indention line on forehead appears when she frown or tries to wrinkle her forehead. Will this go away in time?? Her doctor seemed to think so, but I wanted a second opinion. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Fat necrosis vs skull fracture Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your question. There are a couple of possibilities. When you fall and hit yourself sometimes the fat under the skin liquifies and gets absorbed - fat necrosis. This can cause what appears to be a dent in the soft tissues. She is young enough that this will sort itself out over time as she continue to grow and develop. I think this is the most likely diagnosis. The other possibility is that your daughter has a depressed skull fracture. This could be diagnosed on a skull Xray which your doctor should be able to arrange. If your still concerned I would suggest taking your daughter back to your Dr so her could check her out and arrange an Xray if he thinks it is necessary. After 2 weeks she is not in any danger and this would likely simply be observed but it might help explain what you are seeing. I hope this answers your question. Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (10 minutes later)

Thank you so much. I think you first diagnosis is probably most likely because the area is not even painful for her anymore. So the hard little line that is indented will re absorb, I am so relieved. What type of time frame do you think? 1 month, 6 months, a few years?? Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: A few months to a year Detailed Answer: Hi, At her age probably only a few months to a year. best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (5 hours later)

I forgot to ask... Would it help the dent go away faster if I massage the area, apply a warm cloth or put some type of cream or ointment on? Thanks again....just anxious to have my baby's perfect little forehead back!

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Likely not Detailed Answer: No I don't think any of these interventions would make a substantial difference but none of them would hurt either. Massage with a moisturizing cream might be the most effective if anything.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad