Top of my scalp is completely numb 5 1/2 weeks after hairline lowering/forehead reduction. When will sensation return?

Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure
performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1
year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation
returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return
from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical
procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then
occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience,
and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased
sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is
also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The
last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Some degree of scalp numbness is to be expected after a forehead reduction (hairline advancement) procedure. The primary nerves that supply the front part of the scalp are generally cut as part of the procedure, and over time, this sensation returns. While some small amount of permanent numbness is possible, this is not common, and not an issue for most patients. Nerve regeneration can take many months or even years in some cases. I always encourage patients to discuss any of their postoperative concerns with the surgeon who performed the procedure.All the best,

Numbness is a normal after a forehead reduction surgery.  It can last weeks to months.  It is a good idea to follow up with your surgeon for a recheck.

Thank you for your question.  You are still very early in the healing process. Soreness is to be expected at 5 1/2 weeks post op.  Additionally, it can take up to 18 months for the sensation to fully return to your scalp. Be patient. Itching or the feeling of "pins and needles" are indications of nerve regeneration and these are normal signs of healing. Please call your plastic surgeon's office if you would like some reassurance.

It is normal to have numbness following  your procedure. When a scalp lowering procedure is performed, the nerves that supply sensation to the forehead and scalp are bruised. It can take several months for these nerves to wake up and for you to regain your normal sensation. Itching is also quite normal and indicates the scalp is healing and the nerves are regenerating. Everyone is different and the times for these nerves to work normally varies from patient to patient.

Yes, it is common to have the numbness you are describing 5 1/2 weeks after your procedure.  The itching is indeed a sign that your nerves are recovering.  The numbness can persist for 6 months but can take one to two years to return to complete normal sensation.  However, the timeline is typically about 6 months.  Be careful with hairdryers (curling irons) and other similar devices until the sensation returns so as to avoid burning or injuring the skin.I hope this helps.

It depends on precisely which tissure plane the lift was done on and whether any specific attempt to preserve the main nerves for sensation to the crown was made. If just bruised nerves it is mostlikely to return. If you had a deeper plane dissection, it is more likely that these nerves were sacrificed and while sensation will not return, the are will get smaller and your brain will typically begin to progressively ignore it more and more over time. Usually it is not an issue long term. Ask your surgeon if he/she identified and preserved the nerves or cut them.

During surgery, the cutaneous nerves can be severed. It can take several weeks to several months for the sensation to return. Be patient and give yourself time to heal. 

usually resolve with time, even when the nerves may be cut completely.  You can only hope for the best and it would be encouraging if you developed electric like sensations in your scalp as it usually is a sign of healing.

With a hairline advancement surgery, small nerves are cut and they will eventually heal and sensation will return in week or a few months