Forehead reduction and hairline lowering surgery: Aesthetic implications

Background: Forehead reduction and hairline lowering is an underestimated yet important procedure in facial beautification. Proportions of the forehead to the midface and lower face can be corrected with this surgery as well as addressing changes in hairline positioning. Objectives: The aim of this paper was to describe in detail the author's approach to hairline lowering and forehead reduction procedures with emphasis on implications to increase the aesthetic outcome. Methods: The procedure was performed under general anesthesia in a single-stage approach with the following algorithm: pretrichial incision, subgaleal dissection and preparation of a parieto-occipital scalp flap, multiple horizontal galeotomies, scalp advancement and fixation, and finally forehead skin excision and closure. Results: Forehead reduction and hairline lowering surgery was performed on 17 female patients aged between 19 and 42. Forehead length reduction was measured between 1.7 and 4.2 cm. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years. Conclusions: Forehead reduction hairline lowering is an underestimated yet aesthetically important procedure for correcting facial harmony, beautification, and rejuvenative purposes. Following certain planning and technical details can help the surgeon apply the procedure properly, minimizing the risks for major and minor complication and achieving aesthetically successful results.