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Beautiful face of a happy Asian woman after face cosmetic procedures touching her right cheek with her hand.Natural Results for Better Facial Balance
Natural Results for Better Facial Balance

Forehead Reduction Surgery

The balance of facial features is vital for an attractive appearance. When the forehead seems too large, it can detract from the other features of the face. If you are self-conscious due to a larger forehead from a receded hairline, genetics or other factors, facial plastic surgery could be a solution. LM Medical NYC in Manhattan offers forehead reduction surgery to rebalance the facial features for a more attractive appearance.

Both young men and women can have a larger forehead due to a hairline that is located higher on the scalp. In most cases, this is a genetic trait, although it can occur with hair loss. The higher hairline can make the hair appear thinner and the forehead longer, impacting the balance and harmony of the face. Those with larger foreheads may feel self-conscious of their appearance, and use bangs, hats and other accessories to hide this feature. Forehead reduction surgery, also called hairline lowering, can reduce the exposed forehead for a more balanced appearance.

Hairline Lowering for Facial Balance

Forehead reduction, or hairline lowering surgery, involves removing skin from the forehead and shifting the hairline forward. The incision is made behind the hairline and is invisible once the skin heals. This subtle shifting of the hairline up an inch or two can make a dramatic improvement in the balance of the face. Some patients can benefit from combining a brow lift with hairline lowering if the forehead is excessively large or the brows have shifted lower.

Forehead Reduction FAQs

What is a foreheadplasty or lowering procedure?

Foreheadplasty is also known as a Hairline Lowering, Forehead Shortening, Forehead Reduction, or Scalp Advancement. This procedure is performed in order to shorten the height of the forehead skin and lower the hairline position. The incision is camouflaged in the front part of the scalp, specifically along the anterior hairline to advance the hair-bearing scalp forward. Most hairlines can be advanced between 2-4cm.

Am I a good candidate for a foreheadplasty or hairline lowering?

Foreheadplasty has a rapid recovery, but the overall healing time for the incision and return of sensation can take some time. The best cancdidates for this surgery have not had recent hairline recession or hair loss.

What id the difference between hairline lowering foreheadplasty and hair transplantation?

The Hairline Lowering procedure is used to shorten the height of the forehead. This is used in patients with a healthy hairline with nice density. On average the hairline is advanced between 2-4cm.

Hair transplantation involves using hair from the sides and the back of the head up to the top of the head. Follicular Unite Extraction (FUE) or the Strip Technique (FUT) can both be used to obtain the grafts needed. The follicular grafts are then be placed to lower the hairline, change the hairline design, and increase overall thickness of hair in the scalp, eyebrows, or beard.

We often combine Hairline Lowering and Hair Transplantation during the same surgery to achieve the best results.

Does forehead plasty / hairline lowering leave a scar?

The Hairline Lowering procedure leaves a barely visible and well-camouflaged incision line adjacent to the hairline.

What is the downtime or healing time for a foreheadplasty / hairline lowering?

Following hairline lowering surgery, patients may experience headaches for the first two days, mild soreness, and mild bruising and swelling. A compression dressing is placed for the first night to help with swelling and removed in our office the day after surgery. We recommend our patients avoid physical activity for two weeks. Sutures are removed at 7 days in most cases. The incision will be slightly red following the procedure, this will start to fade and blend in with time. At 12 months most patients feel completely normal and have an incision that is very difficult to see.

What are the common risks or conerns with getting a foreheadplasty or hairline lowering?

While risks with this procedure are uncommon asymmetry, scarring, permanent numbness, and motor nerve weakness are possible. When performed by an experienced surgeon, this procedure is low risk and can enhance the whole face.

If you have a larger or longer forehead and want to learn more about cosmetic options for reduction, contact us at LM Medical NYC today to schedule your private consultation. Our double board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Lesley Rabach, offers forehead reduction surgery for facial balance at our clinics in Manhattan.

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Patient Testimonials

  • I absolutely love this practice. They are brilliant and attentive. I can't say enough about the accuracy, professionalism and patient care. Run don't walk, for any derm issue.

    Allison L.

  • Dr. Lesley Rabach is incredible at what she does, she recommends small adjustments that look so natural but also give a noticeable result. Beyond that, she's absolutely lovely to be around and the entire energy of her office is so pleasant! I'll be turning to her for her recommendations go forward, it's SO important to find a plastic surgeon you can really trust. She is it! Thank you!

    Taylor L.

  • Dr. Lesley Rabach is simply outstanding! She has a wonderfully warm and caring bedside manner and always takes the time to listen. She is highly regarded as an expert in her field and it shows through her superb clinical acumen. Her office staff are kind, professional, and responsive. I highly recommend seeing Dr. Rabach!

    Shane V.

  • I’ve been visiting LM medical for 4 years. The staff is always welcoming. The location is beautiful and modern. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Lesley are amazing physicians. They are very personable and genuine. They are open to questions and addressed all of my concerns. I have been more then pleased with my experience with LM Medical and I highly recommend this office.

    Kathleen P.

  • Dr. Morgan Rabach and her staff provide top tier care and excellent service. Dr. Rabach is well-versed in the latest research. She made lots of time to discuss my dermatological history (what’s worked, what hasn’t worked, what hasn’t been tried) and all the available treatments to find the best path forward. She didn’t settle - pushing to make sure I got the best results possible. Would recommend without any reservations!

    Chris B.

  • I have been seeing both Dr. Lesley & Dr. Morgan now for almost about three years now. Each time is better than the last. I trust them for natural results & they always deliver. What I value most is that they are never pushy! Always open, honest, and they are just overall good people.

    Toni D.

  • Dr Morgan and her staff are very warm and efficient professionals. She provided me with straightforward answers on three different concerns and more importantly, found the adequate treatment for me right away. A well staffed and organized team! Highly recommended.

    Xavier M.

  • The staff are incredibly friendly and so helpful. The wait times are very short, the space is clean and modern, and they're very quick to respond to questions over the phone or email. I needed a detailed receipt for my insurance and they gave me two different versions until my insurance was satisfied. The doctors are friendly, laid back, and really listen which is awesome. Would highly recommend!!