Do you have a larger forehead? Are you not particularly fond of where your hairline begins? When we hear the term “Facial Plastic Surgery”, most of us likely think of procedures like face lift, rhinoplasty (Nose Job), or blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery). While these may be some of the most popular and widely known procedures in the industry, another procedure that may be slightly underrated with facial plastic surgeons around the globe is called forehead reduction (also known as hairline lowering) surgery.
What is Forehead Reduction Surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery is a popular procedure among patients wanting to reduce unwanted forehead area and achieve a more balanced appearance of the face. Utah Facial Plastics very own, Dr. Scott Thompson was recently featured on ‘Good Things Utah’. He spoke about the procedure as well as an important rule in facial aesthetics, the “rule of thirds”. The rule of thirds describes the equal division of the face in thirds, the forehead (Upper Floor), the nose segment (Middle Floor) and the mouth and chin segment (Lower Floor). Dr. Thompson tells us that these segments should be of roughly equal proportions in order to achieve a balanced appearance of the face.
Often times an unbalanced appearance of the face can be due to excessive space in the forehead area, commonly referred to as “fivehead” – a term that Dr. Thompson typically hears from female patients who often wear their hair in certain ways to avoid showing as much of their forehead. Forehead reduction is an effective surgical option for patients looking to reduce unwanted forehead space and achieve a more balanced look.
How is Forehead Reduction performed?
With forehead reduction surgery, an incision is made along the hairline before a section of the forehead is surgically removed and the hairline lowered, resulting in a dramatic improvement to facial balance and a less prominent forehead area. This procedure is performed with patients under general anesthesia and the amount of forehead tissue that is removed varies, sometimes being up to as much as a couple of inches. The area is mapped out prior to surgery based on what will achieve the best possible outcome and the procedure itself typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
What is Recovery Like?
The recovery for forehead reduction surgery is described by Dr. Thompson as rather easy, with stitches being in place for five days and a prominent headache for the first couple of days post-procedure. Pain medication is provided to assist with the initial phase of recovery and patients can expect to be back to their normal routine within two to three weeks. Patients can also expect to be left with a scar that is well hidden along the hairline and Dr. Thompson describes patients as “universally very, very happy” with the results of the procedure.
Forehead Reduction vs Hair Transplant for Hairline Lowering?
If you are considering whether to have a forehead reduction or hair transplant surgery you should know what the ideal candidates are for both. Men and women alike can benefit from either surgery, but the primary purpose of a hairline lowering surgery is to reduce the size of a larger forehead. Women tend to do better with this procedure because they usually have more hair, and their hairline is more strait then most men. More men are experiencing balding or a receding hairline, so it’s more natural to do a hair transplant.
Though forehead reduction surgery may not be offered by all facial plastic surgeons, Dr Thompson calls it a procedure that he specializes in and loves to perform because of the dramatic improvements it provides for his patients. When considering forehead reduction surgery, trust our highly qualified and board-certified surgeons at Utah Facial Plastics to provide the highest quality of care and the best possible results. To schedule a consultation or learn more about forehead seduction surgery, visit our website or call 801-776-2220.