Forehead Reduction
A forehead reduction procedure can reduce an excessively large forehead with a high hairline. Forehead reduction procedures are typically performed in conjunction with a forehead lift (brow lift) but they don't necessarily need to be combined with a lift. In some patients the forehead reduction can be performed without any lifting of the brows.
Before & after forehead reduction with forehead lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary
How is the forehead shortened?
The forehead reduction procedure removes a portion of the forehead and advances the hair-bearing scalp forward to replace the removed portion. The extent of scalp laxity and mobility can be a factor in how much of a reduction is possible.
Forehead reduction, forehead lift, and upper blepharoplasty by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
What procedures may be combined with a forehead reduction?
Forehead reductions can be performed as a standalone procedure or be combined with a number of other facial procedures. Some of the more common combinations involving forehead reductions include:
- Forehead reduction with brow lift
- Forehead reduction with upper eyelid lift and/or lower eyelid lift
- Forehead reduction with fat grafting
- Forehead reduction with face lift and/or neck lift
- Forehead reduction with laser resurfacing
Forehead reduction together with brow lift and deep plane face lift
There are some scenarios where as part of a facial rejuvenation procedure (i.e. brow lift with face and neck lift) a long forehead can be shortened at the same time as the brow lift.
Forehead reduction with brow lift and deep plane face lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A number of anesthesia options are available and your anesthesia provider will discuss with you which one is most appropriate for your health status and procedure. Some procedures require general anesthesia, while others may be done with IV sedation. With either, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen levels are monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider.
General anesthesia means that you are completely asleep for surgery and the placement of an intravenous line and a breathing tube is required. Frequently, numbing medication is also placed during surgery by your surgeon.
IV sedation is also called “monitored anesthesia care” or MAC. This involves receiving sedation and pain medication through an intravenous line (IV). At the beginning of the procedure, when you will be the sleepiest, your surgeon will be placing numbing medication in the area of the surgery. Once the area is numb you will require less sedation and pain medication but you will continue to receive enough medication to keep you sedated and comfortable during the entire procedure. During your surgery you may be receiving oxygen. Airway devices may be placed during IV sedation to keep you breathing normally.
Anesthesia guidelines [21kb PDF]
What is the recovery like?
There may be some tightness of the head for the first 1-2 days after the surgery. Discoloration and swelling around the eyes will typically improve over 5-7 days. Most patients are able to return to work and social activities by 2 weeks after surgery but individual recovery times vary.
Post-operative care instructions [17kb PDF]
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to complete this Surgical Consultation Intake Form. Dr. Naficy will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure. There is great variety in brow shape, hairline height, and forehead features so that each procedure must be custom tailored for the best possible result. You will also have a chance to view before and after photo albums of his patients who have undergone procedures similar to what you are considering.
