Contents
- What is forehead reduction surgery?
- How is forehead reduction surgery performed?
- What to do before forehead reduction surgery?
- What to do after forehead reduction surgery?
- What are the different types of forehead reduction?
- Can a hair transplant reduce forehead size?
- Who is a good candidate for forehead reduction surgery?
- Is forehead reduction surgery permanent?
- Can surgery change eyebrow shape?
- What are the aesthetic procedures combined with forehead reduction surgery?
- Forehead reduction surgery cost in Turkey
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is forehead reduction surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery is an aesthetic procedure sought by individuals with a wide forehead. During the surgery, the hairline is lowered slightly, thereby narrowing the forehead. As a result, the individual’s expression is preserved, but the face gains a more proportionate appearance.
Op. Dr. Şerif Yavuz, who provides services in Istanbul, Turkey, helps you achieve a smaller, harmonious forehead through reduction surgery. You can find answers to many questions you may have about forehead reduction in our article. For more detailed information and appointments, please contact us.
How is forehead reduction surgery performed?
The stages of the forehead reduction surgery that our surgeon will perform are outlined below.
- First, your surgeon will draw a new hairline that suits your facial features. This ensures that the result is both natural and symmetrical.
- During the surgery, you will be administered local or general anaesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain.
- A small incision is made starting with your current hairline. This incision is planned to be hidden among the hair.
- Then, a portion of skin is removed from the forehead area, and the scalp is pulled forward and secured to the new hairline.
- Finally, stitches are applied, and the procedure is completed. Since the stitches are carefully placed, the risk of scarring is very low.
- The surgery typically takes 1.5–2 hours, and most people can return home the same day.
What to do before forehead reduction surgery?
The following points should be considered before undergoing a forehead reduction:
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least two weeks before the procedure. Otherwise, your recovery may be delayed and complications may arise.
- You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. Products such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E can increase bleeding.
- If you are undergoing general anaesthesia, do not eat or drink anything for 6–8 hours before the surgery. This reduces the risks associated with anaesthesia.
- Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking and any health issues you may have. Be sure to mention any allergies you may have.
- Wash your hair the day before the surgery. Clean hair and scalp reduce the risk of infection.
- Choose an experienced and reliable surgeon. Ask all your questions during a preliminary consultation.
- Provide a detailed account of your medical history. This is very important for a safer surgery.
- Clearly express what you expect from the surgery. Explaining your expectations will help the surgeon guide you in the right direction.
What to do after forehead reduction surgery?
There are some important points to consider after forehead reduction surgery, and the more carefully you go through this process, the better the results will be. Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness in the forehead are normal for the first few days after surgery. These are the body’s healing responses and will subside over time. During this period, you should keep your head as upright as possible. This means sleeping with a high pillow, which reduces swelling in the head area and speeds up healing.
You should not touch, scratch, or press on the surgical area for the first few days. Since the stitches are sensitive, you should avoid anything that could increase the risk of infection. You should not wash your hair until your doctor gives you permission to do so. When you wash your hair, use a gentle shampoo and follow your doctor’s advice.
For the first few weeks, you should avoid strenuous exercise, bending forward, or turning your head quickly. Such movements can cause the stitches to open or lead to bleeding in the affected area. Similarly, smoking and alcohol consumption slow down the healing process. Smoking impairs blood circulation and prevents tissue regeneration, while alcohol can increase oedema in the body and interact with the medications used.
You should also be careful when going out in the sun. This is because the skin is more sensitive after surgery, and direct exposure to sunlight can cause scarring or discolouration. Therefore, it is important to wear a hat or use high-factor sunscreen when going outside for a few weeks.
You may need to be patient to see the results. In the first few weeks, the hairline may not settle properly, or your face may look a little different. However, this is temporary. As the swelling subsides and the tissue heals, everything will look more natural. Most importantly, it’s crucial to strictly adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. This way, you will have a safe process from a health perspective and achieve the results you desire much more easily.
What are the different types of forehead reduction?
Forehead reduction can be performed using different methods. The method chosen depends on the individual’s needs.
Forehead reduction surgery is the most commonly used method. An incision is made slightly behind the hairline. Part of the forehead skin is removed, and the scalp is pulled forward. This makes the forehead appear shorter. You can see the results immediately.
Hair transplantation for forehead reduction is another option. Hair follicles are transplanted to the front part of the forehead. After hair transplantation, the forehead appears narrower.
Forehead reduction combined with forehead lift is a method that combines both procedures. Both the hairline is lowered and wrinkles in the forehead area are removed. This method may be preferred, especially if the forehead is both long and wrinkled.
Can a hair transplant reduce forehead size?
Yes, hair transplantation is a solution for forehead reduction. In this method, hair follicles are transplanted to the front part of the forehead, moving the hairline forward. This makes the forehead appear shorter and more proportionate. It is a good option for those who do not want surgery or prefer a more natural approach. However, it may take several months for the full effect to manifest. Those with a wide forehead who do not want surgery often prefer it.
Who is a good candidate for forehead reduction surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery is a procedure that can be performed on both women and men. Anyone who is uncomfortable with a wide forehead, regardless of gender, can opt for this surgery. Women generally want a more proportionate facial contour, while men undergo this procedure for a more balanced and aesthetic appearance. Since the hairline is different in men, planning is done on an individual basis. In women, a natural appearance is targeted by taking into account the hairstyle and forehead structure. Regardless of gender, anyone seeking a shorter forehead can benefit from this surgery.
The following are suitable candidates for forehead lift surgery:
- Individuals with a genetically wider forehead than normal: Those with a naturally high hairline are the most ideal candidates for this procedure.
- Those who want to achieve balance in their facial proportions: This surgery improves the facial profile, especially in individuals with an imbalance in the proportions of the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Individuals without hair loss: Because progressive hair loss can cause the hairline to recede again after forehead reduction.
- Those with a stable hairline and strong hair follicles: Healthy hair follicles facilitate the pulling forward of the scalp and affect the aesthetic result.
- Those with elastic and healthy skin: Skin elasticity allows the scalp to be pulled forward and promotes better healing.
- Those with aesthetic concerns due to forehead width: The procedure can make a significant difference, especially for those with a wide forehead that makes their facial expression appear masculine, aged, or disproportionate.
- Those in good overall health: Individuals with chronic conditions under control and no contraindications for surgery are suitable candidates for this procedure.
Is forehead reduction surgery permanent?
Yes, forehead reduction surgery is usually permanent. Once the hairline is moved forward, it stays in place for a long time. However, if hair loss occurs over time or the skin loosens, there may be some changes in appearance.
Can surgery change eyebrow shape?
Yes, forehead reduction surgery can slightly change the position of the eyebrows. This is because when the scalp is pulled forward, the forehead skin may also drop slightly. This can cause the eyebrows to shift slightly downward. However, this change is usually very slight and goes unnoticed by most people. If you want to preserve the position of your eyebrows, in some cases this procedure can be performed in conjunction with a brow lift.
What are the aesthetic procedures combined with forehead reduction surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery can be performed in conjunction with certain cosmetic procedures. The most commonly performed procedures are endoscopic brow lift and direct brow lift surgeries. With this combination, the hairline is moved forward, and the position of the eyebrows is changed and lifted upward. In cases where there is drooping of the eyelids, it can be performed in conjunction with eyelid aesthetics. Some individuals may also consider hair transplantation to make the hairline appear fuller.
Forehead reduction surgery cost in Turkey
Each patient’s needs are different, and therefore prices may vary. The scope of the treatment, whether additional treatment is required, whether combined procedures are performed, and the doctor’s pricing policy may also be factors that affect the price.
To learn about forehead reduction surgery prices and receive a personalised assessment, you can schedule an online consultation with Dr. Şerif Yavuz. This will allow you to plan the process in the most suitable way for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to narrow the forehead without surgery, but the effect is limited.
Some people can make their foreheads appear smaller with hairstyles, makeup, or botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin, for instance, can slightly lift the eyebrows, making the forehead appear shorter. However, these methods only offer temporary and visual solutions; they do not permanently move the hairline forward.
Those who do not wish to undergo surgery or only want to make a small difference typically prefer these methods. However, for individuals with a structurally wide forehead who seek a permanent solution, surgical methods are the most effective option.
No, there is no specific age limit for forehead reduction surgery. However, since it is important for facial development to be complete, it is generally more appropriate to perform the surgery after the age of 18. The most suitable period is between the ages of 20 and 40. At these ages, the skin is still firm, and the healing process is faster.
Surgery can also be performed at an older age. However, skin elasticity and overall health must be considered at that time. In summary, age alone is not the determining factor. What is important is to assess whether the individual’s body is ready for the surgery and whether their expectations are realistic. Therefore, the most appropriate decision is made after a doctor’s examination.
Yes, a thin scar may remain after forehead reduction surgery.
However, this scar is usually hidden by the hairline and is not very noticeable from the outside. Surgeons make the incision near the scalp and stitch it up so the scar is hidden. New hair growth will also cover the scars over time.
To minimise the visible scar, you should also pay attention to postoperative care. Keeping the area clean, applying the creams prescribed by the doctor regularly, and protecting it from the sun are very important. Sunlight can make the scar more noticeable. Therefore, wearing a hat or using a high-SPF sunscreen for a few weeks is a good approach to help the scars fade.
No, forehead reduction does not change facial expressions. Only the hairline is moved slightly forward; facial expressions and eyebrow movements remain the same. When performed correctly, the natural expression of the face is preserved.
Forehead reduction surgery does not eliminate all wrinkles. The purpose of the surgery is to move the hairline forward, making the forehead appear shorter. Different procedures, such as forehead lift, may be necessary for deep forehead lines.
Although forehead reduction surgery and forehead lift surgery may appear similar, they actually serve different purposes. The table below shows the key differences between these two procedures:
| Feature | Forehead reduction | Forehead lift |
| Aim | Bringing the hairline forward | Reducing wrinkles |
| Target area | Hairline and forehead | Forehead and brow area |
| Result | Narrower forehead appearance | Younger, firmer appearance |
| Method | The skin is removed | The skin is lifted |
| Effect on eyebrows | Generally unchanged | Eyebrows raised |
| Duration | 1.5–2 hours | 1–1.5 hours |
| Candidates | Those with broad foreheads | Those bothered by wrinkles |