Hairline Lowering

People with a naturally high hairline may feel insecure about their outward appearance, leading them to seek a cosmetic solution.

Advancements in modern cosmetic techniques allow us to address this issue. Hairline lowering surgery, sometimes referred to as forehead reduction, is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the distance between the eyebrows and the scalp. With this technique, surgeons are able to reposition the hairline and improve facial harmony. If you are interested in hairline lowering, discussing this with a qualified specialist like Dr Jeremy Richardson will help you decide if this is the right procedure for you.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Before your surgery, it is important to discuss your concerns and goals with Dr Richardson. This will help establish whether you are suited to the procedure and how best to proceed. Generally, you are a good candidate if you are healthy and have concerns about the high position of your hairline. Your suitability can also depend on your hair thickness and scalp laxity.

During your consultation, we will discuss your general health, including any medical conditions or current medications. We will also assess your condition to determine the best treatment plan for your case. It is a good idea to discuss your ideal outcomes and ask any questions to ensure you are fully informed.

The Procedure

On the day of your hairline lowering surgery, Dr Richardson will use a general anaesthetic. A section of skin between the hairline and the upper forehead will be marked and surgically removed. This usually involves removing at least two centimetres of length from the forehead. Dr Richardson will take care to make the hairline incision at a precise angle in order to preserve the underlying hair follicles. This will allow the hairs to regrow after surgery and camouflage the scar.

Once the incisions have been made, Dr Richardson pulls the scalp down to meet the forehead skin, creating a shorter forehead. The incision is then closed with stitches in a way that allows the hair to conceal the scar upon regrowth. The process will take around two to three hours to complete. Patients should note that although the procedure might affect the eyebrows and forehead, it does not necessarily lift the eyebrows.

Cost of Hairline Lowering

Since each patient has different needs and reasons for seeking hairline lowering, fees can vary from person to person. When outlining the fees of surgery, we must take a number of factors into account. For example, we will need to consider hospital fees, the cost of anaesthesia, as well as medication and aftercare.

We will discuss the fees for your procedure during your private consultation.

Aftercare

After the forehead reduction surgery, Dr Richardson will lightly dress the incision site, and you will likely be able to go home on the same day. Patients should take care of their incisions after their surgery in order to avoid risks and produce a good outcome. Dr Richardson will give you instructions to follow during the healing phase, such as:

• Keep your incision site clean and dry
• Sleep on your back with your head propped up
• Do not wash your hair for at least two days
• Avoid smoking as well as alcoholic drinks
• Eat a healthy diet to aid in a smooth recovery
• Take time off work in order to give your body time to recover
• Contact us if any healing issues arise

The recovery process may include the following:

• Mild soreness and swelling for one to two days
• Resume daily activities and work after one to two weeks
• Swelling should reduce after a couple of weeks
• Return to a normal exercise routine after two weeks

Risks and Complications

Like every surgery, hairline lowering comes with some risks. Mild side effects such as swelling and numbness are common and will normally resolve on their own.

Whilst mild side effects are fairly normal, more severe issues are less common. If you notice any prolonged or serious issues after your surgery, it is important to consult Dr Richardson or seek medical help. Risks can include:

• Infection and bleeding
• Anaesthesia reactions
• Damage to underlying structures
• Hair loss
• Visible scarring
• Unwanted outcome
• Pain or swelling that persists
• Further surgery to correct issues