Hairline Lowering (Scalp Advancement)

9 B&A photos

70 Providers

8 Discussions

Overview

Also called forehead reduction surgery, it’s a procedure that lowers the hairline and reduces the height of the forehead, usually with a surgical technique (an incision) but sometimes with a hair transplant in the hairline area. It can be helpful for people with naturally large foreheads who are unsatisfied with their forehead size and those suffering from a receding hairline due to hair loss. Forehead reduction may also be an effective procedure for transgender patients willing to change some facial features in order to have more feminine faces.

See the full table

What it Fixes

high forehead

receding hairline

hair loss (baldness)

B&A photos

before & after photo of hairline-lowering-scalp-advancement

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli

Turkey, Istanbul

See all photos (9)

Discussions

tssntulsa

What cosmetic procedures are available to address this issue?

In addition to having a wide M-shaped hairline, I have noticed that my right forehead is more prominent and bony. What cosmetic procedures are available to address this issue?

Replies

Latest Reply: 19 Sep 2023

. Dr. Ilker Apaydin

bcan

Is it possible to establish a more defined hairline by transplanting hair to an area where I've never had hair before?

Replies

Latest Reply: 19 Sep 2023

. Dr. Ilker Apaydin

bcan

when is it considered safe to comb the hair, even if there might be some inadvertent contact between the comb and scalp

Languages: Turkish, English , ...

Solutions

B&A

Discussions

Dr. Noyan Sualp

Hair transplant Surgeon

Istanbul, Turkey

10 years of experience

Languages: Turkish, English

Solutions

B&A

Discussions

See all providers (70)

Everything About Hairline Lowering (Scalp Advancement)

By Medical Content Team | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thierry Cahuzac

Published on 21 Jan 2023 | Last updated on 24 Mar 2024

Fact-checked

Introduction

Our hairline shapes our facial profile and can have a profound impact on our overall appearance and self-esteem. While non-surgical remedies like microblading or hair fibers offer temporary solutions, they may fall short for those desiring a substantial, lasting modification to their hairline. Hairline lowering with scalp advancement and hair transplantation emerge as two potent surgical alternatives, capable of fostering a more youthful and harmonized hairline. Each of these procedures carries its unique benefits and drawbacks, the selection between which is contingent upon a multitude of factors such as the degree of hair loss, availability of donor hair, and individual preferences. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of both methods is pivotal for patients seeking to identify the most suitable strategy to realize their desired hairline.

What Is Hairline Lowering with Scalp Advancement?

Surgical hairline advancement, also known as surgical hairline lowering or surgical forehead reduction, is a cosmetic procedure designed to decrease the height of the forehead and bring the hairline closer to the brows. It has proven to be very effective in lowering a congenitally high hairline, resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.

This procedure can significantly enhance the appearance of an individual whose hairline is high, whose forehead is large, or whose hairline is receding. In hairline lowering surgeries, scalp advancement is a commonly used technique. This article will discuss in detail the specifics of hairline reduction with scalp advancement/forehead reduction, including the procedure, recovery, results, maintenance, and costs associated with the procedure.

Who Are Good Candidates?

Forehead reduction or hairline lowering is best suited to individuals, typically women, with a lifelong history of a high hairline and no familial or personal history of progressive hair loss. Men and women of every race and ethnicity can have high hairlines due to various factors. Here are some aspects that may make someone a good candidate for hairline lowering with scalp advancement:

Individuals with a high hairline or large forehead who desire a more proportionate facial appearance
People with a stable and healthy hairline
Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to reduce complications and promote healing
People who are realistic about the outcomes of this procedure
People in good overall health and without underlying medical conditions that may affect the healing process
People who have tried other methods to lower their hairline, such as hair transplantation or non-surgical procedures, but have not achieved the desired results

How Is It Done?

The hairline lowering with scalp advancement procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about one hour to complete. The process involves removing the upper part of the forehead skin that does not contain hair and shifting the scalp forward to replace the hairless area with one that contains hair. This effectively lowers the scalp and reduces the forehead's height. Unlike hair transplantation, there is no need for a hair donor area.

To reduce the forehead's height, the scalp advancement flap technique is preferred. The procedure begins with an incision at the junction between the hair and forehead to minimize the visible scar. Next, the surgeon removes 2 to 3 cm of the forehead skin and closes the incision by moving the hairline downward, which reduces the forehead's height by 2 to 3 cm. Finally, a compression bandage is placed for 24 hours and removed the day after the operation.

What's the Recovery Like?

Recovery after forehead reduction with scalp advancement usually takes one to two weeks. Patients may experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area, which typically subside after a few days. Patients should avoid vigorous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least two weeks after the surgery. The sutures are usually removed within ten to fourteen days after the procedure. Patients should also avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight for several weeks after the surgery.

Aftercare and Results

After surgical forehead reduction, patients should meticulously follow their surgeon's aftercare instructions. This may include taking pain medications, applying cold compresses to the treated area, and using a medicated shampoo to clean the scalp. Patients should avoid using hair dryers, straighteners, or other hair styling products for at least two weeks after the surgery. The results of hairline lowering with scalp advancement are permanent, allowing patients to enjoy a lower hairline that enhances their facial appearance.

Maintenance

Patients should protect the treated area from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or using sunscreen. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon can help detect any complications or issues that may arise.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks?

Like any surgical procedure, hairline lowering with scalp advancement carries some risks and potential side effects. However, most patients experience minimal complications and are pleased with the results of the procedure. Here are some of the risks and side effects that may be associated with hairline lowering with scalp advancement:

Infection: Infection is a rare but potential risk of any surgical procedure. To reduce the risk of infection, patients will be prescribed antibiotics to take before and after the surgery.

Bleeding: Some bleeding is common during and after the surgery, but excessive bleeding is rare. Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the procedure, which should recede within a few days.

Scarring: While the incision made during the surgery is generally small and hidden by the hairline, there is still a risk of scarring. Most scars will fade over time and can be further minimized by proper post-operative care.

Hair loss: In rare cases, hair loss can occur around the incision site. This is typically temporary and will improve over time.

Nerve damage: There is a minor risk of nerve damage during the procedure, leading to numbness or tingling around the forehead and scalp.

Asymmetry: In some cases, the surgery results may not be perfectly symmetrical. This can be corrected with a touch-up procedure or other corrective measures.

Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in hairline lowering with scalp advancement is crucial to minimize these risks and side effects. Patients should also follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions to ensure a successful and safe recovery. If any complications arise, patients should contact their surgeons immediately for guidance and treatment.

Cost

The cost of hairline lowering with scalp advancement typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. However, this cost may or may not include additional fees such as anesthesia and facility fees. It is important to discuss the cost of the procedure with the plastic surgeon during the initial consultation to ensure that the patient understands the breakdown of the expenses.

The extent of the surgery is a significant factor influencing the cost of hairline lowering with scalp advancement. For instance, individuals with a larger forehead may require more extensive surgery, leading to higher costs. Additionally, the surgeon's expertise and qualifications may also affect the cost of the procedure. The clinic's location is another factor that may impact the cost of the procedure. For example, clinics in metropolitan areas may charge higher fees compared to clinics in rural areas.

It is important to note that hairline lowering with scalp advancement is a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgeries. However, patients may explore financing options such as payment plans or loans to manage the cost of the procedure. Some plastic surgery clinics also offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure

Hairline Lowering with Scalp Advancement vs. Hair Transplant Comparison

Hairline lowering with scalp advancement and hair transplantation are two distinct procedures that can address the issue of a high or receding hairline. While both procedures aim to create a more youthful and natural-looking hairline, they differ significantly in their approach, recovery time, and suitability for different individuals.

Hairline lowering with scalp advancement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a strip of skin from the forehead and moving the scalp forward. This technique is appropriate for individuals with a high hairline or large forehead, as it provides a permanent and long-lasting solution. However, it is a more invasive procedure requiring a more extended recovery period and may not be suitable for individuals with limited scalp laxity or those unwilling to undergo surgery.

On the other hand, hair transplantation is a procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. It is suitable for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, and it provides natural-looking results with a shorter recovery period. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe hair loss or insufficient donor hair. Furthermore, the results may not be permanent, necessitating patients to undergo repeat sessions to maintain the results.