“Recovery is different for each person,” says Dr. Pak. “Most people can resume normal activities the next day, though there may be some pain, redness, swelling, and bruising.”
Some patients take a week of downtime after hairline lowering, to let any swelling or bruising that may occur resolve before they head back to work. Others are able to return to work or school as soon as two days later, wearing a headband or hat or brushing their hair forward to hide the sutures.
“Recovery from forehead reduction is actually quite easy,” says Dr. Epstein. “Most of my patients are able to fly back home the first day after the procedure without any head dressing and be fully presentable one or two days later. There is typically minimal or no swelling or bruising around the eyes. Within one month, hairs will be growing through the incision, and it’s usually not very visible.”
Your provider should walk you through their recovery recommendations, which may include:Â
- taking prescribed pain medication to ease any discomfort during the first few days
- avoiding strenuous activities for the first week
- keeping your head elevated (even while sleeping) to minimize swelling and bruising
- keeping the incision clean and checking for any signs of infection
In some cases, your surgical stitches or clips will dissolve; in others, your doctor will remove them about a week post-procedure.
It takes about six months for the incision site to fully heal and fade, but most patients can style their hair in a way that hides the incision as it heals.
