Forehead Reduction Surgery

Forehead reduction surgery or hairline lowering surgery can be used to reduce an excessively high hairline or large forehead in both men and women. The forehead reduction procedure can be performed at the same time as a Forehead Lift (Browplasty), or alone.

In this procedure, an incision is made at the hairline. A portion of the scalp that does not contain hair can then be removed which results in making the hairline appear lower. The hair follicles near the incision will eventually grow through it and hide the scar.

Duration of the operation:

The procedure usually takes about 2 hours to perform.

Post operative care:

After the forehead reduction procedure, there will be some bruising and swelling. Ice compresses can be used to control the swelling. Your forehead will be loosely wrapped overnight, which further helps to minimize swelling. A drain might be used to help get rid of the fluids and that can collect in the tissues. The individual might also experience numbness and slight pain, both of which will eventually subside and can be controlled with medications. You will be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed

Recovery period:

Individuals vary on their recovery time. Many patients are healed enough to go back to work after a week. After one week, your sutures will be removed. Most patients return to work in 7-10 days after their hairline lowering surgery, but some patients return to work even sooner. Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. There may be some shedding of the hair in the front of the scalp within 2-4 weeks after surgery. The hair will come back after several months. Dr. Juta suggests that patients apply 5% Minoxidil to the front of the scalp starting 2-6 weeks before surgery and resuming it for 3 months after surgery.

Possible risk and complications:

Some risks associated with forehead reduction are fluid accumulation, scarring, hair loss at the incision site, and infection. Any hair loss should grow back within a couple of months, however, and antibiotics are generally prescribed to help thwart infections. Unsightly scarring is usually covered by the new hair growth. However, in some cases the individual can opt to have an additional hair graft done in order to cover up the scars.

Anesthesia use:

The procedure usually uses General anesthesia

Hospital admission:

The forehead reduction surgery procedure may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Preparation before Surgery

• Assessment of the medical history (any allergies, serious medical condition and all medications taken both prescribed and non-prescribed), physical examination, and laboratory tests will be performed during consultation.
• Blood and urine samples will be collected for routine preoperative laboratory tests.
• Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process.
• You will likely to be asked to stop drinking alcohol, a week before the surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.