Many patients, particularly females, are self-conscious about their high hairline. Hairline lowering, also known as forehead reduction, offers patients a great option to improve their confidence. The surgery takes less than 2 hours to complete and will instantly give patients an improved aesthetic. An irregular scar is hidden along the hairline that fades over the course of several months. Prior to that, the scar can even be camouflaged with makeup once the incision has healed (usually around 7 days after).
Forehead reduction is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the vertical height of the forehead. This procedure can shorten the distance between the hairline and the eyebrows. It is designed to help patients with a large forehead or high hairline.
In most cases, there is little to no pain with this surgery. Most of our patients will report mild soreness the first evening after surgery, but it is very rare for patients to have any significant pain. Patients are provided pain medication to take only as needed.
Yes, your forehead will be smaller and the hairline will be lower down. However, the rest of your face will otherwise look the same without changes to your eyebrow position, eye shape, or other facial features.
In the majority of cases, Dr. Demetri can safely lower the hairline about 2.0 – 2.5 cm. While every patient has different expectations and anatomy, we usually aim for the distance from a point between the eyebrows to the hairline to be in the 6.0 to 6.5 cm range. Hairlines lower than 5.5 cm from the eyebrows run the risk of looking unnatural. Also, it is very important to measure from between the eyebrows to where the thick part of the hairline begins (not just the fine “baby” hairs). This becomes relevant when we remove the skin and begin to suture the incision closed to hide the scar.
While these numbers and dimensions are important for your surgeon, patients should not fixate on specific numbers. You can expect a dramatic and immediate improvement following this surgery.
“Great doctor. I felt comfortable talking to him. Everything was straight forward and went exactly like he explained it. I am very happy with the results. I would recommend Dr. Demetri to a friend.”
by A. R.
Following hairline lowering surgery, patients can expect mild soreness. Bruising and swelling are possible as well but are usually minimal. A compression dressing is placed for the first night to help with swelling and removed in our office the day after surgery. At that time, we can gently clean the incision line more and review our post-treatment regimen again. Our out-of-town patients are allowed to travel home at this point for one week prior to returning for suture removal. We encourage our patients to avoid physical activity for two weeks.
In general, forehead reduction surgery is safe only for women. The reason for this is that almost all males will experience some degree of hairline recession and thinning over their life. Even if 1-2 millimeters of hairline recession occur in a male, this could result in a visibly exposed scar on the forehead. This could make it extremely difficult to hide and unsightly for the patient. that could potentially be impossible to hide and crippling to the patient.
The best candidates for hairline lowering surgery are individuals in good overall health. The scalp must have good elasticity and healthy hair that is not showing any signs of thinning or hair loss.
The results of hairline lowering surgery are permanent, and it is a perfect option for people with realistic expectations. Candidates should wait until their 20s to 30s before considering a hairline lowering procedure.
Like all surgical procedures, candidates must quit smoking 4 to 6 weeks before and after the surgery for a smooth and quick recovery. Those who are committed to maintaining good skin, scalp, and hair with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can experience the full benefits of a hairline lowering procedure.
A hairline lowering consultation will involve a discussion about your appearance goals and complete medical history. Those who have certain medical conditions may not be ideal candidates, so all health conditions must be discussed. Your overall health will be assessed thoroughly to confirm your eligibility for the procedure.
Dr. Demetri will also guide you on the possible surgical techniques that can be used to give you an overview of the results. You may also undergo a few lab tests to help Dr. Demetri plan a safe procedure for you. Inform us of any allergies that may affect anesthesia and sedation as well.
Once you are eligible for the procedure, Dr. Demetri will provide special instructions to help you prepare before your appointment.
Want to know if a hairline lowering procedure in Tampa is the best for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetri to get an assessment. He will perform an excellent procedure that can meet your aesthetic needs.
Tampa: 813-603-3110
