How Big is a Forehead Reduction Surgery Scar?
Scarring after any type of surgery depends on multiple factors, including the patient’s personal tendency to scar, the patient’s skin type, the length and depth of the incision(s), and how well the patient takes care of their incision site(s) following surgery.
Those who undergo a hairline lowering procedure and end up with a forehead reduction surgery scar typically have excellent results — their scars are well hidden within the hairline and become less and less noticeable over time. Still, we certainly understand being reluctant about having a scar in such a prominent place as the forehead.
In the following article, we’ll review what hairline lowering surgery entails, where forehead reduction incisions are located, and what you can expect in terms of healing and longterm results.
What Is Hairline Lowering Surgery?
Some individuals are unhappy with the size of their forehead because they feel it is too large. Patients may also be unhappy with the shape of their hairline. Sometimes, these issues are related to genetics. Other times, patients feel they have developed a receding hairline over time.
With hairline lowering surgery, also known as forehead reduction surgery or hairline advancement, we can reduce the size of the patient’s forehead and/or adjust the hairline shape by bringing the hairline forward or forward and down.
At the patient’s consultation appointment, we can assess their anatomy to decide the exact amount of forehead reduction that would be ideal for their appearance and to reduce the look of a large forehead. This is done very precisely as even a slight adjustment in forehead size can make a significant difference.
The surgery itself is performed by making an incision along the upper hairline and separating the tissue there so that the skin on the hair bearing scalp can be gently pulled down. Candidacy for surgery requires that the patient has adequate skin laxity. Excess skin is removed if necessary, and the incision will then be carefully closed with sutures.
Does Forehead Reduction Surgery Leave a Scar?
Does Forehead Reduction Surgery Leave a Scar?While forehead reduction surgery does leave a scar, it is typically well-hidden within the hairline. This is where the incision itself will be placed, and as the incision heals, new hair should grow through the incision, covering it almost completely. Moreover, the incision will naturally flatten and fade as time goes on.
When this surgery is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with specific experience with forehead reduction surgery, patients have the best chance of having a well-concealed, hardly noticeable incision vs having your forehead reduction surgery done wrong. It is usually when the patient does not choose a qualified surgeon that problems with the resulting incision occur. Some patients have trouble with hair loss, lack of hair density, uneven scars, or scars that do not heal well.
Long term Results Following Forehead Reduction Surgery
Your results following forehead reduction surgery should last a lifetime. Although we cannot stop the natural effects of aging from occurring, there is little chance that the forehead skin will move in any way after surgery. Ideally, the hair follicles will not be damaged, and they will go on producing hair as well.
Some patients may find that their new forehead looks different with their facial features, resulting in the desire to undergo additional procedures on other parts of the face over time. This is completely subjective and depends on the needs and goals of the patient.
Tips for Minimizing Hairline Lowering Scar Appearance
After your forehead reduction surgery, be sure to do the following to minimize the appearance of any scarring as much as possible:
- Stay out of the sun
- Do not sleep on or lay on your incision during the healing process
- Avoid touching your head right away after surgery
- Take care when washing and styling your hair
- Do not wear hats or headbands right after surgery
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Use silicone scar sheets if possible
FAQ: Forehead Reduction
Is forehead reduction surgery painful?
No, the forehead reduction procedure itself is not painful. After surgery, during your recovery, you may have some soreness and slight pain. However, you will receive pain medication to help keep you comfortable.
What if I have a very noticeable scar after forehead reduction surgery?
Sometimes with a hairline lowering surgery gone wrong forehead reduction surgery scar minimization is not achieved. That is, the patient feels that their scar is noticeable even through the hairline.
In this case, a skilled surgeon can often perform a forehead reduction surgery revision procedure, or if need be, the scar itself can be worked on with laser treatments or similar.
Will I need hair transplants after forehead reduction?
No, a hair transplant procedure is not always needed following forehead reduction. Some patients may opt to undergo hair restoration surgery to even out their hairline or fix some hair loss, but many patients undergo the forehead reduction cosmetic surgery alone and are happy with their results.
Can you get other procedures with hairline lowering surgery?
Yes, depending on your goals, you can get Botox injections, dermal fillers, rhinoplasty, a brow lift, or other surgical procedures in addition to your hairline reduction surgery. Often, your surgeon will recommend staggering these procedures so that you can ensure a comfortable and adequate recovery after each one. But combining procedures is certainly an option depending on your needs.
Schedule a Consultation for Forehead Reduction
Double board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco Dr. David Sieber performs hairline lowering surgery at his San Francisco practice. To find out if you’re a good candidate for forehead reduction surgery, please get in touch with our office today and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
