What is Forehead Reduction Surgery?

Discover more about Forehead Reduction Surgery

Forehead reduction, also known as hairline lowering or foreheadplasty, is an aesthetic surgical procedure with the goal to reduce the height of the forehead and reposition the hairline closer to the eyebrows, resulting in a lifted forehead, brow, eyelids, and eyes for a more balanced facial appearance.

The general steps of a forehead reduction procedure may include:

Consultation: The process typically starts with a consultation with the plastic surgeon, during which the patient's medical history is reviewed, and aesthetic goals and expectations are discussed. The surgeon will examine the patient's forehead, hairline, and facial proportions to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure.

Anesthesia: Forehead reduction is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's comfort.

Incision: The surgeon will make an incision along the new hairline that they plan to create. The placement of the incision is critical to ensure that scars are well-concealed and hidden within the hairline. 

Tissue adjustment: The surgeon will carefully lift the scalp and underlying tissues, adjusting the hairline to the desired position. Excess skin may be removed, and the remaining tissues are sutured in place to secure the new hairline.

Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples, and the scalp is dressed with bandages.

Recovery: After the procedure, patients are typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a certain period. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Follow-up: Post-surgery follow-up visits are essential for the surgeon to monitor the healing process, remove sutures, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have.

fig. 1. Example of forehead reduction in young female patient. 

Dr. Beatriz Berenguer, a skilled and renowned plastic surgeon who employs a meticulous approach during her live forehead reduction surgery recently performed at the MIPSS meeting hosted by Ocean Clinic, Marbella. She begins by removing the upper line of forehead skin and then reconnects the hairline to a lower point, carefully measuring and planning the reduction. In this particular case, she takes a patient's initial 7.5cm brow down to a new height of 5cm.

During the surgery, Dr. Beatriz is highly attentive to post-operative care instructions, which she explains to the audience. After the forehead reduction, the skin in the treated area remains numb, and the stitches need to fully heal. As a result, certain haircare practices are advised against during the recovery period. Patients are cautioned against using straightening irons or other hair appliances, going to the hairdresser, or styling their hair in ways that create tension on the forehead. High ponytails, for example, should be avoided for up to six months.

As Dr. Beatriz sutures the forehead together with the hairline after removing excess skin, she emphasizes the significance of avoiding tension in the sutures. Any tension during suturing could lead to pulling and result in an uneven scar. To ensure the best stitch appearance, Dr. Beatriz explains that she always sutures from the scalp to the forehead, a technique that she has found to yield superior results based on her previous experiences.

A question from the audience prompts Dr. Beatriz to discuss the "mat stitching" technique. She acknowledges the technique but confidently affirms that the procedure she uses consistently achieves the best results in her opinion, provided there is no tension during suturing.

Overall, forehead reduction performed by a skilled plastic surgeon can provide individuals with the confidence and appearance they desire, achieving a more balanced facial harmony and improved aesthetics.

Fig. 2. Example of a forehead reduction in young female patient. 

It's important to emphasize that forehead reduction is a surgical procedure with potential risks and complications. Like any surgery, there is the possibility of scarring, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Therefore, individuals considering this procedure should thoroughly research and consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to fully understand the potential outcomes and make an informed decision.

Contact Ocean Clinic’s highly skilled and experienced team of surgeons to discuss your options with forehead reduction surgery.