Forehead reduction surgery, also called hairline lowering surgery, is a specialized cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the height of the forehead and bring the hairline forward. Whether you’ve always had a high forehead or have experienced hairline recession, this procedure offers a permanent, natural-looking solution with results that can dramatically enhance facial balance.
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What Is Forehead Reduction Surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery, also known as scalp advancement, involves moving the hairline forward by excising a portion of forehead skin and repositioning the scalp. This technique reduces the vertical length of the forehead, creating a more proportional facial appearance.
Unlike traditional hair grafting, which requires multiple sessions and has a longer wait time for visible results, forehead reduction provides immediate improvement in forehead height and hairline position.
Hairline Lowering Surgery for Women and Men
Though forehead reduction surgery is commonly requested by women, particularly those with genetically high hairlines or large foreheads, it’s increasingly popular among men as well. Men with a stable hairline and good scalp flexibility may be candidates for this technique, especially if they prefer not to undergo follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
Successful outcomes depend on:
Hair density and scalp laxity
Hairline stability, especially in male candidates
Individual aesthetic goals
Drastic improvements in self-confidence are often reported by both female and male patients after surgery.
The most effective and refined version of this procedure is a one-stage hairline advancement technique. This modern approach, sometimes referred to as FROST (Forehead Reduction One Stage Technique), allows for greater precision and quicker recovery. Unlike older two-stage or tissue expansion methods, the one-stage option:
Requires only one surgery
Produces a fine, hidden scar at the hairline
Achieves natural-looking results immediately
Reduces healing time and complications
Complementary Procedures
In many cases, patients choose to combine forehead reduction with other cosmetic enhancements to further harmonize facial features.
Brow Lift
A brow lift can be performed simultaneously, lifting drooping eyebrows and smoothing forehead lines.
Chin Augmentation
Adding chin augmentation may improve overall facial balance, especially for patients with a recessed jawline.
Frontal Bone Contouring
Also known as forehead contouring, this addresses prominent bone structure in the upper forehead area.
Revision Forehead Reduction Surgery
Patients who’ve had prior hairline lowering surgery with poor results—such as visible scarring, asymmetry, or insufficient reduction—may be candidates for revision forehead reduction. Revision techniques often involve:
Correcting scar placement
Enhancing symmetry
Re-advancing the hairline, if tissue flexibility allows
An expert surgeon will assess scalp elasticity, prior incisions, and healing patterns to determine the safest path forward.
Tissue Expansion (Two-Stage Hairline Lowering)
For patients with limited scalp flexibility or previous surgeries, a two-stage forehead reduction using tissue expansion may be required. In this approach:
A balloon expander is placed beneath the scalp and gradually filled with saline.
After sufficient expansion, the final procedure advances the hairline with less tension and greater reach.
This method is ideal for complex revisions or those seeking a substantial reduction.
Follicular Unit Grafting After Forehead Reduction
Although hairline lowering surgery is highly effective, some patients opt to add follicular unit grafting to:
Fill minor gaps
Refine temples or corners
Camouflage any residual scar lines
Hair grafting is usually scheduled several months after the initial surgery, allowing the scalp to fully heal.
What to Expect from the Procedure
Forehead reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The incision is carefully placed along the natural hairline and designed to heal discreetly.
Most patients report minimal discomfort and a smooth recovery process. Immediate results are visible once swelling subsides.
Who Is NOT a Good Candidate?
This procedure may not be ideal for individuals with:
Significant hair loss or a receding hairline
Poor scalp elasticity
Keloid-prone skin or problematic wound healing history
Unrealistic expectations regarding scar visibility or hairline position
A thorough consultation helps determine if you’re a good match for the procedure or better suited to hair grafting.
Preparing for Surgery
Pre-surgical planning includes:
Medical clearance if needed
Discontinuation of blood thinners or smoking
Photography and measurements for surgical mapping
Patients are advised to arrange transportation and limit strenuous activity post-procedure.
Anesthesia and Recovery
Local anesthesia with sedation is commonly used, although general anesthesia may be preferred for complex cases. Recovery is relatively fast:
Swelling and bruising peak within 48 hours
Stitches are removed within 7–10 days
Most return to work in under two weeks
Activity Level After Surgery
Within the first week:
Avoid bending, heavy lifting, or high-impact activity
Keep the head elevated while sleeping
Gently cleanse the incision area without disrupting healing
Light activity can resume within a few days, and full workouts usually resume after 3–4 weeks.
Conclusion
Forehead reduction surgery is a precise, effective solution for individuals looking to lower a naturally high hairline or reduce forehead height. With advancements like the one-stage hairline advancement technique, patients can achieve natural, symmetrical results in a single procedure. Whether you’re considering hairline lowering surgery for the first time or seeking revision after a previous attempt, this procedure offers long-lasting aesthetic improvement with minimal downtime. By combining surgical precision with patient-specific planning, forehead reduction delivers both beauty and confidence—starting at the hairline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scar visible after forehead reduction surgery?
The incision is placed along the natural hairline and designed to fade into surrounding hair. For many, it becomes virtually undetectable within a few months.
How much does hairline lowering surgery cost?
Prices vary depending on the surgeon, location, and whether additional procedures are performed. On average, the procedure ranges from $7,000 to $12,000.
Carl Clay is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
