What Is a Forehead Reduction Surgery?

Forehead reduction surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the distance between the eyebrows and the hairline. During this operation, the hair-bearing scalp is advanced forward and fixed at a lower point on the forehead. Therefore, it is also commonly known as "hairline lowering" or "scalp advancement." It is considered a high-satisfaction surgery, as the vast majority of patients are pleased with the outcome.

There are many benefits to forehead reduction surgery. It can help create more harmonious and proportionate facial features, while giving you a more balanced-looking hairline. Patients who undergo this procedure often experience faster and more noticeable results compared to hair restoration surgeries. Hair transplants typically cannot achieve the same hair density in the desired area as forehead reduction can.

How Is Forehead Reduction Surgery Performed?

This procedure is performed by board-certified facial plastic surgeons and typically takes around three hours, depending on the specifics of your case. It is often combined with other cosmetic surgeries such as brow lifts, offering both time and cost efficiency.

Depending on your preferences and the surgeon’s approach, you may be given local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Before beginning, your surgeon will mark the planned new hairline. After marking, an incision will be made and the hair-bearing scalp tissue will be loosened. The final step involves advancing the scalp downward by one to three centimeters and removing the excess skin before closing the incision.

In some cases, the scalp may not be elastic enough to allow the desired movement. If this occurs, your surgeon might insert a tissue expander underneath the scalp. Over approximately six weeks, the expander will gradually stretch the skin. Once the skin is sufficiently stretched, the expander is removed and the surgery is completed. Alternatively, a second procedure may be scheduled.

To close the incision, the surgeon will use multiple layers of sutures or surgical clips, and the area will be covered with a dressing to protect it during the initial healing phase.

What to Expect When You Plan Surgery

Forehead reduction surgery at Hosfinder Clinic reshapes your facial proportions by permanently lowering your hairline. The procedure itself takes only about 2 hours, and results are visible immediately. However, the full healing process takes time — usually between 12 to 18 months — and we will be with you every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your treatment:

Before Your Treatment

Being in optimal health before your surgery will support a smoother recovery. Starting about a month prior to your procedure, you should follow some key steps to ensure the best experience:

• Stop taking aspirin or aspirin-like products (e.g., ibuprofen) at least 1 week prior, unless advised otherwise by your primary care physician, and inform your surgeon.
• Avoid alcohol for 2 days before your surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and assist you post-surgery.

We’ll discuss all these details and any additional requirements during your initial consultation.

On the Day of Treatment

Please arrange for a driver to take you home after your surgery.

• Wash your face and hair thoroughly; detangle your hair.
• Avoid applying makeup, creams, or hair products.
• Take one dose of your prescribed oral antibiotic with a sip of water.
• Wear comfortable clothing that buttons or zips in the front.
• If you’d like to keep the treated area discreet when leaving the clinic, bring a hoodie, scarf, or a loose hat.

During the Procedure

Forehead reduction at Hosfinder Clinic is typically performed on an outpatient basis and lasts around 2 hours. A carefully planned trichophytic incision is made just behind the first two rows of your natural hairline. This allows hair to grow through the scar later for a more seamless result. The scalp is then gently advanced forward to lower the hairline to the desired position.

The incision is closed in multiple layers using fine sutures to minimize scarring. Deeper sutures help anchor the new hairline, and a compression bandage is applied. Most patients can remove the bandage the following day, and no further dressings are usually needed.

After Hairline Lowering Surgery

Post-surgery care is essential for optimal healing. Here’s how to take care of yourself:

• For the first 3–5 days, keep your head elevated above your chest — recliners or two to three pillows work well to reduce swelling.
• Stay hydrated and follow a low-sodium, high-protein diet to promote healing.
• Apply frozen peas wrapped in a cloth over your eyes intermittently during the first 36–72 hours. Always use a thin layer of fabric between the cold pack and your skin.
• Take prescribed pain medication every 4–6 hours only if needed, always with food. Avoid aspirin or related products unless directed.
• Gently clean the incision site using Q-tips soaked in hydrogen peroxide to remove dried blood and keep the area clean.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the stitches 3 times a day for the first 7–10 days using a clean Q-tip or fingertip.
• Avoid intense physical activity and cardio for at least one week.
• Itching, numbness, and temporary hair shedding near the incision site are normal. Hair regrowth typically begins around the 3-month mark.

Within 12–18 months, your new, lowered hairline will look and feel completely natural.

How Long Is the Recovery After Forehead Reduction?

Although healing can vary based on the individual and the surgical technique, most patients recover significantly within one week. Swelling and bruising usually subside enough by then to resume daily routines. Most people return to work or school within 7 days — often using a headband, hat, or a forward hairstyle to conceal the sutures.

Doctors usually advise avoiding strenuous activity during the first week or longer. Many patients choose to camouflage the incision with hairstyles or accessories for up to 3 months until the scar fades.

Pain medication is prescribed for the initial recovery period. Elevating your head (even while sleeping) can help reduce swelling and discomfort — propping yourself up with pillows is highly recommended.

Ongoing aftercare focuses on keeping the incision clean and avoiding infection. Sutures or clips placed along the incision are usually removed by our surgical team one week post-op.

Since the area around the eyes is typically not very bruised, most patients feel confident being seen in public within a week. A few months after surgery, fine hairs will begin to grow through the incision line. Temporary numbness around the incision area may last 4 to 6 months as nerves regenerate.

By six months, the incision line is generally fully healed and fading. In the meantime, most of our patients style their hair or use accessories like scarves, hats, or headbands to keep the scar out of sight.