What are the potential side effects to forehead reduction surgery?

Question

I'm a 25 year old woman looking to get a forehead reduction. My #1 concern is potential hair loss! I've tried looking up "bad forehead reduction results" and "forehead reduction side effects" but all I get are ads for surgeons. Can anyone tell me the dangers of forehead reduction surgery? Is this a surgery I should ("need to") get done in the US? (I was looking at South Korea for some other surgeries I want, as I have an Asian nose.)

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

All surgeries carry a risk.  You will sign a long consent form for all the things that can go wrong with any surgery.Forehead reduction surgery can be performed with two methods: (1) incision on the hair line and advancing the scalp forward, or (2) implanting single hair follicles to reshape or lower your hairline. There are pros and cons to both types of surgeries.Risk of hair loss applies to both types of surgeries.  You may want to see several doctors to understand realistic goals and risks involved. Final results depend on the patients having realistic expectations and finding a reputable skilled doctor.

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

Marie, Forehead reduction surgery can  mean moving the hairline forward, but it can also include reshaping the underlying bone.  If you or just moving the hairline forward there is a small risk of patchy hair loss.  This is typically not noticeable unless you are closely examining  your hair in the mirror.    Other people will not notice it.  While hypothetically it could be permanent loss,  I have done hundreds of these cases and I have never seen that.    You do have to know that the scar on your hairline will be very visible for several weeks and if you wear your hair up/back it will require some makeup for camouflage for several months.  If you are including bone reduction with this procedure he will want to see a very experienced surgeon to avoid the risk of sinus problems in the future.  The vast majority of patients who undergo this procedure have a smooth course and are very happy with the results.-Dr. Rolfes

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Forehead reduction surgery is a very effective way to shorten the forehead and reposition the brows if needed. The procedure requires a long incision but a surgeon who is very experienced in this procedure, I can tell you that the incision is invisible if done well. Hair loss is a risk that is mentioned but i have not seen it with my technique. Another area is the Amount if reduction that is achieved which depends on the surgeons technique and scalp laxity. The best way to move forward is to schedule a consultation with a forehead reduction specialist and ask your questions.  Best wishes.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

This procedure may leave you with a straight hairline that may look unnatural.  It also may leave a lineare scar in front of the hairline that could be visible. Hairline lowering could be done successfully with a FUE procedure that does not have any of the above complications. 
The only advantage of a hairline reduction procedure is the possibility of creating a higher density of hair in certain individual with one procedure. Hair transplant may need mroe than one procedure if the patint has a finer hair shaft.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Hair loss is a risk of forehead reduction surgery but I have never seen this having done this procedure for about 30 years. An unfavorable hairline scar can occur but is avoidable by closing the incision in a tension free manner. Adhering to this principle, any minor small undesirable scars can easily be revised. In California there are many experienced surgeons who do excellent Asian rhinoplasty surgeries.

What are the potential side effects to forehead reduction surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Forehead reduction

Answer: Forehead reduction

Answer: Risks of Forehead Reduction Surgery

Answer: Risks of Forehead Reduction Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Forehead Reduction

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What are the potential side effects to forehead reduction surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Forehead reduction

Answer: Forehead reduction

Answer: Risks of Forehead Reduction Surgery

Answer: Risks of Forehead Reduction Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Forehead Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.