Forehead reduction surgery — also called hairline lowering surgery or scalp advancement surgery, is a straightforward cosmetic procedure that reduces the height of the forehead and shortens the distance between your hairline and eyebrows.
The process is done by moving the scalp forward and positioning your hairline lower on the forehead. The result is a more proportional and beautiful appearance with a fuller hairline.
Forehead reduction surgery is a “high patient satisfaction surgery” as it generally creates a more pleasing appearance with harmonious facial proportions and balanced hairline.
Instead of the traditional treatment for hairline reduction involving hair transplants, forehead reduction surgery is able to achieve impressive hair density in the desired area for a more satisfying look.
Average Cost
$4,900
Price Range
$2,500 to $7,300
The process begins by marking the area of the hairline and forehead to be removed using a surgical skin marker. This should not involve any vital hair follicles and nerves which if affected may cause temporary numbness on the area. This marked area will be your new hairline.
After marking the surgical site, the patient will receive local anesthetics on the entire forehead, from the hairline up to just above the brows.
Then, an incision will be made along the marked areas and the surgeon will carefully separate the skin from the underlying tissue and cut out the area that has been marked for removal. The skin will be moved forward anywhere from 1 to 3 cms to allow the top incision to meet with the forehead incision. Once satisfied, the area is incision is closed and the forehead is instantly shortened.
The stitching of the new hairline should be done in a way that scar formation is minimized and any scar can be hidden upon hair regrowth. Lastly, a surgical dressing is applied over the incision to prevent infection as it heals.
This treatment should take 1 – 3 hours depending on your surgeon’s techniques and the specifics of your procedure.
If in case the skin of the scalp is not elastic enough to be lowered to the desired amount, a tissue expander will be placed under the scalp. For 6 weeks, this expander will gradually stretch the skin until it can be pulled to lower the hairline.
Generally, you are to stay awhile in the surgeon’s office after treatment just to monitor your reaction to the treatment and to allow the anesthetic effect to come off. Most people can return home within just a few hours of surgery.
Then, you will be advised to return after 7 – 10 days for suture removal. You should still see some scarring at this time so care should be done to aid with further recovery and favorable results.
You will want to check the area often for infection. Keep the wound clean and follow your surgeon’s advice to help it heal properly. Such include:
Also, you must return to the office for observation and post-operative checkups around 2 to 4 weeks after surgery or as recommended by your surgeon.
We understand you may want to change your plans due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its health implications.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla,
What should be the post-op diet for hairline lowering?
Refrain from drinking and smoking because this can affect your recovery time and healing process. Anti-inflammatory medicines are also prohibited to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Generally, good health should be maintained through consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Patients are also recommended to increase the intake of Vit. C supplements for better wound healing and enhanced immune system.
Will hairline lowering lead to scarring?
There’s no way to avoid scarring with a hairline lowering surgery. But the extent of the scar and its visibility after healing depends on a number of factors including the patient’s natural scarring tendencies and the skills of the surgeon.
Choosing an experienced doctor from an accredited hospital can help minimize the appearance of scarring. With good skills, scars should diminish in 6 to 12 months. If not, extra procedures may be necessary such as a hair transplant surgery to help camouflage any scar.
How to choose a surgeon for a hairline lowering procedure?
It is recommended that you go for surgeons who are directly associated with a hospital to ensure that all risks and complications can be managed during surgery. This also proves the credibility of the doctor.
Aside from that, other factors you should look into are education background, years of experience in cosmetic surgery and forehead reduction surgeries, some before-and-after photos of previous surgery clients to determine the skill, and if possible, social media reviews and testimonials from real life clients.
In addition, you should ask your doctor of certain questions about your surgery so you can gauge their knowledge and skills. In return, you can gain confidence on the treatment and your attending surgeon.
What makes a patient a good candidate for this procedure?
Hairline lowering is suitable for men and women suffering from a high hairline problem, have thick hair, and no family history of hair loss. Those who have low or heavy eyebrows and disproportionate facial structures can also greatly benefit from this treatment with an improved appearance.