Forehead reduction surgery also called hairline lowering or hairline advancement, can lower your hairline and make your forehead appear less prominent. Getting answers to some common questions can help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
How is the surgery performed?
Physically reducing forehead size requires an incision and the removal of a small section of skin along the hairline. The incision is closed using sutures, which results in less space between the hairline and eyebrows. Some surgeons will also perform a hair transplant to cover the scar or create a more natural appearance for the new hairline.
Am I a good candidate?
Only a qualified surgeon, like Dr. Epstein, can tell you for sure if you’re a candidate for forehead reduction surgery, but there are some basic qualifications you can use to assess your potential eligibility. Patients must:
• Be in good health overall
• Not be suffering from pattern baldness or other progressive hair loss
• Have flexible forehead skin
• Not smoke or be willing to stop smoking for a month prior to surgery
The most promising candidates are women with high hairlines and large or prominent foreheads. People with low or heavy eyebrows may also see good results, since reducing forehead size can create a more proportionate facial appearance.
How much does the surgery cost?
Costs will vary depending on each person’s individual needs. Scheduling a consultation to speak with a qualified surgeon, like Dr. Epstein, is the first step towards understanding potential results as well as the cost associated with achieving the results.
Research surgeons carefully, and prioritize credentials and experience over price for the best results.
What’s the recovery like?
It takes approximately seven to 10 days to recover from forehead reduction surgery, and your doctor will likely advise you to refrain from strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, for two weeks. You’ll need to avoid alcoholic beverages for a few days and ice the incision area to minimize pain and swelling.
What are the risks?
Complications from forehead reduction may include:
• Bruising and swelling of the face
• Forehead numbness, which may be permanent for some people
• Temporary or permanent hair loss around the surgical scar
• Reduced forehead mobility
Because forehead reduction is a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to weigh the risks and cost against the benefits before deciding to have surgery. An experienced surgeon, like Dr. Epstein, can answer any other questions you have and provide additional information to help you make an informed choice.
Dr. Epstein is a triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration expert. As one of the founders of the Women’s Center for Hair Loss, he’s been a champion for women experiencing hair loss by advancing his hairline lowering technique. Learn more today.