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Does hairline lowering surgery cause hair loss? (Photo)

I am interested in the hairline lowering surgery, but I read about some cases of hair loss after the procedure, is this something to be concerned about? How common is it? Why could this happen? Thank you.

Doctor Answers 8

August 4th, 2017

Hairline lowering surgery

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Hair loss can occur after hairline lowering surgery.  Shock loss can occur which is temporary and more diffuse in nature.  Hair loss can also occur from heat transmitted from cautery during surgery.  Care should always be taken to avoid injuring the hair follicles with cautery during surgery, as this type of hair loss can be permanent.  

Learn more: http://hesslerplasticsurgery.com/hair-transplant/

Jill Hessler, MD


Palo Alto Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 32 reviews

June 9th, 2015

Hairline Lowering and Shock Hair Loss

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Hairline Lowering or any surgery of the scalp can cause shock hair loss, but it is less likely to occur with injection of Kenelog during the procedure.  If the procedure is not performed in the subgaleal plane or if cautery is abused, hair loss can also occur.

Kevin Ende, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

May 24th, 2017

Does hairline lowering surgery cause hair loss?

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Hi there.  Thank you for your question and photo.  Temporary hairloss is common after hairline lowering surgery.  Permanent hairloss is rare.  From your photo you appear to be a very suitable candidate for hairline lowering.  This is a frequent procedure in my clinic (2 or 3 each week) with very high patient satisfaction.  Good luck.

Learn more: http://www.lbps.co.uk/plastic-surgery-procedures-london/specialty-procedures/hairline-lowering/

Christopher J. Inglefield, MBBS, FRCS(Plast)

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Forehead reduction surgery and hair loss

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Thank you for your question. Any surgery on the scalp can cause shock hair loss. It is not common but the incidence is not zero. The risk is small enough that the benefits outweigh the risks. Good luck

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD
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July 17th, 2015

It is a risk

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Hair line lowering surgery has risks associated (like any surgery).  One of the risk is hair loss around the area.  It can be devastating to patients.  This is why it is important to see a doctor in person so he/she can explain all the risks and benefits.  It is impossible to say if it will happen to you.

Learn more: http://newhair.com/procedures/hairline-lowering/rea

Jae Pak, MD

Jae Pak, MD
Los Angeles Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 106 reviews

June 9th, 2015

Hair Loss Secondary to Hairline Lowering Surgery

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Temporary hair loss is possible but I've never seen permanent loss since I described the Irregular Trichophytic Incision technique many years ago.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 43 reviews

June 9th, 2015

Hair loss after hairline lowering surgery

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Temporary hair loss (shock loss) can occur with any surgey that invovlves the scalp. Facelifts, forehead lifts, hair transplants and scalp lacerations can havve this complication. It resolves itself starting after 4 months

Microscpiic thinning of the hair has to occur with the hairline lowering operqtion  as the scalp is being stretched. This, however, is not hair loss.

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon

June 9th, 2015

Hairline lowering does not cause hair loss in my 35 year experience.

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Hairline lowering does not cause hair loss in my 35 year experience if properly done. I have done more than a thousand of these and have not had hair loss.
Toby Mayer, MD

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.