Forehead Reduction Surgery

What Is Forehead Reduction Surgery?

Forehead reduction surgeries are aesthetic procedures designed to shorten the distance between the hairline and the eyebrows. High patient satisfaction is due to improved facial proportions. Compared to hair restoration surgery, it provides faster and more effective results, as hair transplantation cannot achieve the same density as forehead reduction surgery in the desired area.

Complications of Forehead Reduction Surgery

Potential complications that may occur during and after a hairline-lowering procedure include:

• Numbness
• Fluid accumulation
• Facial asymmetry
• Bruising
• Hair loss around the scar area
• Loss of mobility or expression in the forehead
• Need for revision or secondary surgery

Why Is Forehead Reduction Surgery Performed?

Forehead reduction operations help bring the hairline closer to the eyebrows. Additional reasons for choosing forehead reduction surgery include:

• It provides a permanent solution
• It changes facial proportions
• To appear younger
• It helps reduce temporal hair loss
• It helps soften forehead wrinkles

How Is Forehead Reduction Surgery Performed?

Forehead reduction surgery, performed by plastic surgeons, is a relatively simple procedure. Its duration is approximately 3 hours depending on the specifics of the procedure. The extended duration is often due to combining it with cosmetic procedures like brow lift.

Anesthesia is selected based on the preferences of the surgeon and patient. The procedure can be performed under a sedative, sedation anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Before beginning, the new hairline is marked. Then, an incision is made along this line and the scalp tissue is loosened. The excess portion of the skin is then removed to allow the forehead to be repositioned.

It is not always possible to move the scalp as much as desired. If additional movement beyond the skin’s natural elasticity is needed, a tissue expander can be placed. This allows for gradual stretching over six weeks. Once sufficient elasticity is achieved, the procedure is completed.

After the hairline is repositioned, two or more stitches or surgical clips are used to close the incision. The area is then covered with surgical dressings.

Recovery Process of Forehead Reduction Surgery

The recovery period varies depending on the patient and the procedure, but generally takes about one week. Swelling and bruising that occur after surgery usually resolve within this time. Most patients can manage their dressings at home. Additionally, they can return to work or school after one week. Wearing a headband or combing the hair forward can help patients feel more comfortable by concealing the stitches.

During the first week after surgery, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities. Pain medications may be prescribed to manage discomfort during the early days of recovery. It is normal to experience itching or numbness for up to a year during the healing process. Hair regrowth in the affected area usually takes about 3 months. The results will appear more natural as the hairline descends within 12 to 18 months.

Postoperative Care After Forehead Reduction Surgery

To support the healing process after forehead reduction surgery, patients should pay attention to the following recommendations:

• To help reduce swelling quickly after surgery, the head should be kept elevated above heart level. Even while sleeping, it is important to support the head with 2–3 pillows to keep it in an elevated position.
• To eliminate edema, it is necessary to maintain proper hydration. A low-sodium and high-protein diet is also recommended.
• During the first 36–72 hours after surgery, a cold compress should be applied around the eyes. Bruising and swelling may migrate downward, becoming more visible on the upper and lower eyelids and cheeks.
• If necessary, prescribed painkillers should be taken every 4 to 6 hours.
• Aspirin should be avoided to control pain.
• Incisions should be cleaned using cotton swabs moistened with hydrogen peroxide. The cotton should not be rubbed directly on the stitches; cleaning around the incision is sufficient.
• Prescribed antibiotic creams should be applied directly to the stitches with clean hands. This application should be done 3 times a day and continued for 7–10 days.

Types of Forehead Reduction Surgery

Forehead reduction surgeries can be performed using different techniques depending on the patient's needs and preferences.

Endoscopic Forehead Reduction

This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of an endoscopic camera and surgical instruments. Instead of a traditional incision, several small holes are made in the scalp. Recovery is faster due to the less invasive nature of this method. However, it is not suitable for extensive bone reshaping.

Double-Frame Forehead Reduction

This technique uses two frames to contour the forehead. The frames help shape the forehead bone, allowing for significant changes in appearance. As it is a more invasive method, the recovery period is longer.

Open Forehead Reduction

In the open forehead reduction procedure, not only is the hairline lowered, but the forehead bone may also be reshaped. This method involves a large skin incision, allowing for more substantial changes. However, the healing process is longer, and scarring may be more visible.

Non-Scalp Skin Incision Forehead Reduction

In this technique, the incision is made outside the hair-bearing scalp. It results in less visible changes but helps tighten the skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance. Recovery is faster due to minimal bone work involved.