How long to recover from a forehead reduction?

Question

I am thinking about getting a forehead reduction next year, but the only time I would be able to get the procedure would be a month before I leave for college outside of the country. I just want to know if this would be feasible, considering I can't really fly back for any followups (if they are frequent a month post-op)? Also, exactly how presentable would I look after a month? Thank you!

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Forehead reduction surgery generally has a very quick and easy recovery. In my practice, sutures stay in for one week and then they are removed. Patients can expect some degree of mild swelling and sometimes (but not always) some bruising around the forehead, brows, and eyes. Patients can also expect a small amount of discomfort (many of my patients report very little to no pain), numbness of the scalp (generally temporary), and some scabs and crusts along the incision line that last for about a week. Patients are usually able to camouflage the incision quite well while it heals using their existing hair. It takes many months for the scar to fade and hair to grow fully through the incision, but most patients are very comfortable out in public within 7-10 days if not sooner. I instruct my patients to refrain from strenuous activity, including exercise, for two weeks after surgery.All the best,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to contact your surgeon for post surgery concerns since all doctors have slightly different instructions.

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

For patients from out of town we only require a one week follow up in person after forehead surgery.  This is a very safe procedure, and there is no reason you can't plan air travel after that one week visit.  The incision along the hairline is normally visible as a thin red line for a couple of months, but hair styling or a head band can easily cover it.  We will normally plan a video conference follow up for one and three months after surgery to make sure that incision is fading as expected.  We have done scar treatments when the incision is still visible, but those are rare and can be done at any time and typically closer to home for out of town patients.  -Dr. Rolfes

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Recovery from forehead reduction is actually relatively easy. you will have sutures that need to be removed at approx 1 week. There may be some swelling and bruising around the eyes which usually resolves by 7-10 days. At one month, signs of surgery will not be noticeable. The incision will still be healing and may look like a fine red line but usually not that visible if done properly. Most patients that we see from out of town, come in for their surgery, stay for a few days then fly home without any problems. Follow up can be done via Skype, photos, or phone conversations. Best of luck

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Sutures are removed about 6 days after a forehead reduction procedure. Other than some redness of the hairline secondary to hair growing through and in front of the incision, which you can hide with a little makeup, you would be free to travel. At one month after surgery you would look good. Have fun studying abroad.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The recovery from forehead reduction surgery is rapid and within a week you should be fine with no need for followup unless there are sutures that must be removed. One month is a lot a time to recover

How long to recover from a forehead reduction?

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