What are the longterm effects of cutting nerves? (photos)

Question

I have a naturally large forehead and eyebrows that are on the heavy side. I am interested in a reduction but am worried about cutting my nerves. When sensation returns, is the feeling always altered? Is numbness uncomfortable? How have your patients reacted to both the numbness and itching? Is it continuous itching? How long does it last? Are there any real or potential long term consequences of injuring/cutting your nerves? If you had a big forehead would you cut your nerves?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

I tell every forehead reduction patient that the scalp will be numb in the hair-bearing portions along the front for several months postoperatively. While long-term or permanent numbness is a risk, I've not had any patients complain about this beyond about 6 months after surgery.

Most patients will report some occasional itching, tingling, "electric" sensations, etc in the scalp while the nerves recover. That being said, most patients do not complain about the scalp numbness at all postop.

All the best,

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

Every patient is numb after a hairline lowering.  I am not sure if the Dr. below has ever performed a hairline lowering or spoken to the patient afterwards if he thinks that patients don't complain of numbness, but the average time for numbness is 6 months.  I have performed hundreds and hundreds of hairline lowering procedures and have never heard of a patient that was not numb after the procedure.  This is expected and not considered a complication.  I have never had a patient describe long term numbness but I suppose this is possible.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Cutting nerves mean you will feel numbness.  Usually the numbness last for several weeks to months before you regain sensation.  In rare cases the numbness will be permanent.  This is a risk you need to discuss with your surgeon.

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You are a great candidate for a forehead reduction which involves a horizontal incision in your hairline. Patients do not commonly complain of numbness or itching from this procedure. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck. - instagram @drsiamakagha

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Cutting some of the skin nerves can give you numbness on top of your head. The sensation returns over several weeks. There are no serious long term effects. Consider a consultation to discuss the details and your goals. best wishes.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

In a forehead reduction small cutaneous nerves in the skin are almost always cut. This produces a limited anesthesia north of the cut. Because the scalp is heavily innervated by nerves that come from many directions, the brain switches to another nerve route. Small cutaneous nerves almost never give permanent numbness and in the area where the incision is made, there are no major nerves to worry about.

What are the longterm effects of cutting nerves? (photos)

Answers (6)

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