Hairline Lowering

Foreheadplasty

Hairline lowering, or foreheadplasty, is a procedure that reduces the height of the forehead by advancing the hairline. Forehead reduction surgery improves facial balance and symmetry leading to a more attractive appearance.

Procedure Overview

This surgery is for individuals who feel their forehead is disproportionately large or those who have a high hairline that they feel affects their facial harmony.

Aim

The surgery aims to reduce the height of the forehead and bring the hairline into better proportion with the rest of the face.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

Lowered hairline and smaller forehead

Treatment time:

2 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthetic

Recovery time:

1–2 weeks

Return to work:

1 week

Lifetime of procedure:

Permanent

Northwood Hospital - Hairline Lowering The Procedure

CONSULTATION

At Northwood Hospital, your hairline lowering journey begins with a detailed, face-to-face consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. This is your opportunity to explain your reasons for considering the procedure, whether aesthetic, reconstructive, or both. The surgeon will examine your forehead, hairline position, hair density, and skin elasticity to assess suitability. They will also take a full medical history, including any previous facial surgery or scalp conditions, to identify any factors that might affect results or healing. You will be shown before-and-after photographs of similar cases, and the surgeon will outline the techniques available, expected scar placement, and the amount of hairline advancement that is achievable in your case. We encourage you to ask questions at every stage, and we will discuss realistic outcomes, potential risks, and the recovery process in detail. By the end of the consultation, you will have a personalised treatment plan, a clear understanding of costs, and the reassurance needed to make an informed decision.

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PREOP PREPARATION

Setting aside time to focus on preparation before you attend for surgery is important if you wish a successful outcome. Healthy eating (avoiding refined sugars, and ultra processed foods), reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, vaping or taking recreational drugs is extremely important in the 6 weeks running up to surgery.

If you are unwell for any reason in the run up to surgery it is important to let your team know as occasionally it is safer to postpone any treatment until you are in full health. Please let your surgeon know if you are taking any herbal remedies, or blood thinners such as aspirin during your pre-op assessment as these may need to be stopped before surgery.

SURGERY

Hairline lowering is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, although local anaesthetic with sedation may be an option for some patients. The procedure involves making a carefully planned incision along the natural hairline to minimise visible scarring. The scalp is gently loosened and advanced forward, and any excess forehead skin is removed before the incision is closed with fine sutures. In many cases, the hairline can be brought forward by 1–3 cm, depending on the individual’s scalp laxity. The surgery typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, and patients are usually able to go home the same day. In some situations, hair grafting may be combined with the procedure to soften the transition zone and further conceal the incision.

RECOVERY

After surgery, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness in the forehead and scalp, which generally improves within the first 1–2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed 5–7 days after the procedure, and you can expect to return to light daily activities within a week. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, bending, or heavy lifting for at least 3–4 weeks to allow for proper healing. It’s important to protect the incision from sun exposure during the recovery period, as UV light can darken the scar. Most patients see their final results within 3–6 months, as swelling subsides and the scar fades. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor healing and ensure your results are progressing as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hairline lowering surgery safe?

Yes. Hairline lowering is generally a safe and straightforward procedure when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and temporary numbness, but these are uncommon.

Will the results be permanent?

Yes. Once the scalp is advanced and the incision has healed, the new hairline position is permanent. However, future hair thinning or loss may affect how the hairline appears over time.

Will the scar be visible?

The incision is carefully placed along the natural hairline. With time and proper care, it usually fades and is concealed by regrowth of hair.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients are able to resume light activities within a few days and return to work after about a week. Swelling and numbness may persist for a few weeks.