Would you suggest orbital contouring, or a brow lift to feminize my forehead? (Photos)

Question

I’m a cis-female looking to feminize my forehead. My brow ridge is prominent, low, and masculine. I can’t tell if I need orbital contouring and/or brow ridge shaving? Or will a brow lift alone suffice?

Javier Rossi, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest both. A brow ridge reduction seems indicated for you, and a brow lift is always indicated when the brow ridge is reduced, in order to tighten up the skin over the new bone shape.

C. Carson Huynh, MD, DMD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Bone contouring by shaving is adequate in most cases to soften the brow ridge prominance. If the frontal sinus is enlarge with thin bone (need CT imaging for evaluation), then a frontal sinus osteotomy may be needed to reshape the forehead and brow bone. A brow would would enhance and further feminize the shape of you brows.

Bryan Rolfes, MD · Answer

Dakota, You do have a strong brow bone, and if it bothers you it can be reduced.  A brow lift alone will certainly help to open your eyes and make them brighter to a much smaller degree, but a bone reduction is the only way to get rid of that ridge.  The brow ridge and orbital rim form a continuous structure, and they blend into each other.  If you just do one or the other it tends to make the one you didn't reduce look that much more prominent.  Reducing that bone will make your eyes look bigger, brighter, and much more feminine.  Hope that helps.  -Dr. Rolfes

Christopher J. Inglefield, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  You do have moderate brow bossing and have shaped you eyebrows beautifully.  I would recommend a brow contouring with brow lift to achieve the optimum feminisation of your forehead.  I would want to keep your hairline in a good natural position at the same time.  Good luck.

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, your forehead does look a little prominent. I would say reducing the size of your brow bone would be more beneficial than just a brow lift, but both can be done at the same time. You would need to find a time to take about a week off of work to recover, but brow bone reduction is fairly easy to recover from compared to other procedures. 
Of course a formal evaluation either over video consult or in-person would give you a better idea of what would be best and answer any other specific questions you have. 
Best of luck to you,
Sarah Saxon, MD

Would you suggest orbital contouring, or a brow lift to feminize my forehead? (Photos)

Answers (5)