Patients considering a forehead reduction to bring down their hairline and shorten their forehead are becoming increasingly concerned about ending up with a forehead reduction surgery that has gone wrong. And the truth is, like any surgical procedure, this surgery can “go wrong”.
Let us explain.
When it comes to plastic surgery gone wrong, forehead reduction surgery is quite a young procedure to have many “cautionary tales” associated with it. However, there have been some of these procedures that have been botched for patients, and this usually comes down to the surgeon’s lack of skill, knowledge, and experience.
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Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon
More than anything, it is crucial to emphasize that choosing the right plastic surgeon for this (and any other) plastic surgery procedure is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, “forehead reduction surgery gone wrong” has hit the headlines recently because many patients are choosing surgeons who are frightfully unskilled and inexperienced.
Not only should your surgeon be a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon, but they should also have a unique understanding of the structure of the face as well as extensive experience performing forehead reductions. Too many plastic surgeons are claiming they can perform this procedure when they do not have the knowledge, skill, or experience necessary to do so.
In this article, we’d like to highlight exactly why such experience and skill is needed by outlining what’s at stake if you do not do your research and choose the right surgeon for your forehead reduction surgery.
What Is Forehead Reduction Surgery?
Forehead reduction surgery (also called hairline lowering surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to shorten the height of the forehead. This is achieved by essentially pulling the hairline down and removing some of the forehead skin.
Patients who seek this surgery are self-conscious about the size of their foreheads. Some individuals feel that reducing their forehead’s height can help balance out the rest of their facial features.
Top Complications of Forehead Reduction Surgery
1. Hairline Abnormalities and Visible Scarring
It is important that hairline incisions are carefully performed and meticulously closed for optimal healing and low visibility. Unfortunately, if incisions are not made so that they heal properly, abnormalities may occur such as jagged edges or unnatural angles.
Another issue is pulling the scalp too tightly over the forehead area, which can cause excessive swelling and a jagged hairline, plus poorly healed, visible scars.
2. Asymmetrical Forehead
Improper surgical techniques or inadequate removal of the skin may result in forehead asymmetry. One side may appear higher or lower than the other side, or the curve of the hairline may be off on one side.
3. Hair Loss
Hair loss can also occur following an endoscopic forehead lift. Sometimes, hair loss is short-lived, and the hair ultimately grows back. But other times, permanent hair loss results.
4. Scalp Necrosis
Problems with blood supply to the scalp during surgery can lead to scalp necrosis. This may then cause scarring, problems with wound healing, or hair loss.
5. Nerve Damage
Both the aesthetics and functions of the face may be compromised if the nerves in the face are damaged. Changes in sensation, numbness, weakness, and even pain may result .
Ensuring a Successful Forehead Reduction Surgery
Here’s how to make sure that you don’t have a poor outcome after your hairline lowering surgery.
Choose an Experienced Surgeon
Select a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a successful track record in performing forehead reduction surgeries. It’s a bonus if they are adept at performing hair transplants as well, as this suggests more intimate knowledge with the structure of the face and head.
Review Before and After Photos
Take time to examine the surgeon’s forehead reduction before and after photos from previous patients. This will help to ensure their aesthetic preferences align with yours.
Discuss the Plan Before Surgery
Discuss the Plan Before SurgeryHave open and thorough discussions with your surgeon about your goals, expectations, and concerns regarding forehead reduction surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
You’ll also want to land on a solid, cohesive plan with your surgeon. Make sure you know how much skin will be removed, what the shape of your new hairline will be, and other specifics. You want to feel completely confident about this plan moving forward.
Adhere to Postoperative Instructions
Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions closely after surgery. Get plenty of rest, modify your lifestyle accordingly, care for your wounds properly, and take care of yourself in general with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Maintain Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that there are always risks with any type of surgery. Naturally, if you choose a reputable surgeon, they will do their best to achieve your desired outcome; however, be sure that you are aware of the potential complications and that you have realistic expectations as you move toward your operation.
FAQ:Forehead Reduction Surgery
Will I have a scar after forehead reduction surgery?
Yes, due to the nature of the hairline lowering procedure, a scar will result. However, if someone’s surgery has gone wrong forehead reduction surgery scar visibility may be severe.
This is why you must choose an experienced surgeon who knows how to create extremely small incisions that will heal well and sit within the hairline so that they are not visible after recovery.
Who is a good candidate for a forehead reduction procedure?
If you do not like the positioning of your hairline in relation to the size of your forehead, you may be a good candidate for surgery to move the hairline forward or for a hair transplant.
Alternatively, some patients may choose to “lower their forehead” by getting hair transplantation (when hair follicles are removed from the back and sides of the head and transplanted to the top of the head). This may, of course, be helpful if you have a receding hairline or thinning hair as well.
Book a Consultation With Us Today
Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber is knowledgeable and experienced with facial plastic surgery procedures, including brow lift surgery, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery), facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, and forehead reduction procedures.
If you have a large forehead and would like to speak to Dr. Sieber about undergoing a forehead lowering procedure, please call our office today to book your consultation.
