# What's with that bump on the forehead of Jean-Claude Van Dam? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 24, 2004, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938 "2004-06-24T03:23:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/1 "2004-06-24T03:23:44Z")
He’s had that bump for years. Given his “pretty boy” image, why not remove it? I’m guessing some might consider it unsightly. I have an older female aquaintance who has plenty of money, but nevertheless, she has a similar bump and some, IIRC, said she couldn’t have it removed. FTR, it was located in the same spot as Van Dam’s–about two inches above her eyebrow. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/2 "2004-06-24T03:52:53Z")
He was disbudded, not polled? * * * More nearly serious: If, as I presume, it is simply the shape of that part of his skull, why should he endure the cost, discomfort, (and danger) to have it removed by plastic surgery? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/3 "2004-06-24T03:56:38Z")
Have you looked closely at Robert Reford, long considered the epitome of sexiness? Yeesh. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/4 "2004-06-24T03:57:52Z")
Or Robert _Redford_, even. Sorry, too many glasses of Domeq. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/5 "2004-06-24T04:08:16Z")
Almost certainly a [lipoma](http://www.r-kanda.com/clinic/common/lipoma.html). These are common, benign tumors of fat cells often developing just below the skin. [Here’s a concise link](http://dermnetnz.org/lesions/lipoma.html). ---
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/6 "2004-06-24T04:36:19Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > He was disbudded, not polled? > > * * * > > More nearly serious: If, as I presume, it is simply the shape of that part of his skull, why should he endure the cost, discomfort, (and danger) to have it removed by plastic surgery? He’s a movie star. Preserving your pretty-boy looks and youth translates into extended box-office appeal and income. He makes lots of money. The operation must be somewhat less discomforting than getting kicked in the head in the odd fight-scene mishap. Plastic surgery is the Zen of Hollywood. Better question: Why would a guy with a penchant for hair mousse, tight pants, French (Belgian?) tank tops, and cheek bronzer NOT opt for removing his Frankensteinian growth? If you’re trying to look tough, lighten up on the rouge, pal! ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/7 "2004-06-24T04:43:04Z")
Is [this](http://www.vandammefan.net/vandammepics/posing/images/vandammepics_posing18_jpg.jpg) what you’re talking about? I think it’s just the shape of his skull. It’s only noticable in certain photos. I’ve never noticed it before and I’ve seen the majority of his movies…for the, um, acting, that’s right, it’s the acting… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/8 "2004-06-24T05:51:55Z")
A friend of mine has a bump like that on her forehead too. She said it developed in her 20s. Her doctor told her to ignore it. I think any surgery to eliminate it would leave a nasty scar. It’s easier to just ignore it. ---
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/9 "2004-06-24T13:20:53Z")
> [@tremorviolet](#): > > Is [this](http://www.vandammefan.net/vandammepics/posing/images/vandammepics_posing18_jpg.jpg) what you’re talking about? I think it’s just the shape of his skull. It’s only noticable in certain photos. I’ve never noticed it before and I’ve seen the majority of his movies…for the, um, acting, that’s right, it’s the acting… 😃 Actually, that photo makes the bump appear smaller. In some photos, it’s quite prominent. \*\*BobT A friend of mine has a bump like that on her forehead too. She said it developed in her 20s. Her doctor told her to ignore it. I think any surgery to eliminate it would leave a nasty scar. It’s easier to just ignore it.\*\* Not to make a federal case of it, but my thinking is that Jean-Claude is a good looking fellow, one who takes great care of his looks. Why not improve this one feature? It would seem a surgeon could liposuction out the fatty tissue, cited above. In short, my question is answered about the bump itself. Thanks, all. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/10 "2004-06-24T17:12:33Z")
> [@BobT](#): > > I think any surgery to eliminate it would leave a nasty scar. It’s easier to just ignore it. 3 years ago I had a lipoma removed from my forehead. It was about 2 inches above my left eyebrow. I have practially no scar from the surgury. I was glad I had it removed too because it was getting much larger and people were starting to ask me if I had hit myself in the head or something. ---
**Author:** ![FX45\_4Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/4bbf92/32.png) [@FX45\_4Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FX45_4Ever)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/11 "2004-06-24T18:18:34Z")
I’ve often wondered too. Movie stars are not fixing their most obvious abnormality. Just watched Fargo, and asked this same question about [Steve Buscemi’s](http://www.tribute.ca/all_actors/bios/1412.htm) crooked smile. Perhaps we’ve been brainwashed into believing every movie star has to be perfect. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/12 "2004-06-24T19:04:47Z")
> [@FX45 4Ever](#): > > Just watched Fargo, and asked this same question about [Steve Buscemi’s](http://www.tribute.ca/all_actors/bios/1412.htm) crooked smile. If Buscemi didn’t look weird I don’t think he would work in movies. ---
**Author:** ![psiekier](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psiekier/32/116_2.png) [@psiekier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psiekier)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2004, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/13 "2004-06-24T20:19:53Z")
> [@vetbridge](#): > > If Buscemi didn’t look weird I don’t think he would work in movies. I’ll see your Steve Buscemi and raise you a [Clint Howard](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0397212/). ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/14 "2004-06-25T07:52:15Z")
That’s his brain 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2004, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/15 "2004-06-25T09:44:57Z")
He CAN’T have the bump removed. It’s where he keeps all of his acting talent! ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/16 "2004-06-26T14:46:25Z")
From **KarlGauss** ’s link: “It feels soft and smooth and is easily moved under the skin with the fingers”. I’ve had a lipoma (soft fatty lump) removed from my scalp. I have a hard lump _much like Van Damme’s, high on my forehead above my left eye._ It feels hard enough to be bone protruding slightly from my skull. A single horn-bud, perhaps? A doctor told me to ignore it. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/17 "2004-06-26T15:42:55Z")
[Want the inside scoop on the skin lesions of hot stars?](http://itsb.ucsf.edu/~vcr/Actors9.html) ---
**Author:** ![gum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bbe5ce/32.png) [@gum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gum)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2004, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/18 "2004-06-26T19:19:39Z")
That was a fun link. Thanks, **x-ray vision**. Jean Claude van Damme = a pretty boy? Bwahahahaha. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Billyboy2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Billyboy2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billyboy2)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2019, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/19 "2019-06-24T02:15:00Z")
The technical term for the lump on Jean-Claude Van Damme’s head is called a non-yeah. That should work for none your business ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2019, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938/20 "2019-06-24T02:20:30Z")
Eerily, as this bump happened, an old episode of Carson I have on in the background was playing a Carnac the Magnificent skit. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-that-bump-on-the-forehead-of-jean-claude-van-dam/251938.md?page=2)